What is COPD? How can you treat the condition?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a condition that makes it difficult for you to breathe. It is an umbrella term for a group of ailments, including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and refractory asthma. COPD is a severe health problem that cannot be cured once it has affected your lungs. However, there are some ways through which you can manage this issue and try to live a comfortable and normal life. Those interested in knowing how you can make this possible should read further. Here you go!

What are the risk factors associated with COPD?

COPD is a lung problem that can make it hard for you to breathe. It can result from several factors like long-term exposure to gases that irritate your breathing organs. Individuals who smoke cigarettes, pipes, or other types of tobacco are also likely to develop this health problem. If someone around you smokes, and you breathe in passive smoke, it can make you vulnerable. Asthma is also a risk factor for COPD, and people who work in conditions exposed to dust, chemicals, or air pollution can also end up with the disease. Age is another risk factor that can increase your risk of developing this condition.

What are some symptoms of COPD?

People suffering from the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may develop the following symptoms over time:

• Recurrent cough

• Shortness of breath

• Wheezing

• Tightness in your chest

• Coughing mucus

• Frequent cold or flu

• Losing weight without any cause

• Swollen ankles

• Low energy

• Blue fingernails

How can you diagnose COPD?

People who suspect COPD should visit their doctors to see if they have it. When you visit a doctor, he will ask you questions about your medical history, smoking history, and whether or not you were exposed to chemicals. If your answers lead to the doubt that you may have this problem, you will be asked to undergo a physical exam and breathing tests. The most common is spirometry. Here, you will be asked to breathe into a large and flexible tube connected to a machine called spirometry. It will show how much air your lungs can hold and how fast you can blow into it. Other tests that you may be asked to undergo include:

• Chest X-rays

• CT scan

• Arterial blood gas test

• Laboratory tests

What are the possible treatments for COPD?

People who have COPD are asked to stop smoking. They may begin treatment like bronchodilators, combination inhalers, flu or pneumonia vaccines, pulmonary rehabilitation, and oxygen therapy. Such people are also recommended to start non-invasive ventilation treatment for getting better. Several non-invasive ventilation types can help with breathing better.

Thus, COPD is a serious health condition and has symptoms like wheezing, cough, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest. Therefore, it would help if you began its treatment as soon as possible to live an easy and comfortable life.

Hi! I am Atticus! I’m a reputed professor of psychology and management. I love to study human psychology and have read several books on Human Behavior. Most of my articles and blogs are on the disturbed sleep cycle and what causes sleep deprivation.