Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

What is COPD?
COPD is an umbrella term for progressive lung diseases that block airflow. It is usually a combination of two conditions:

1. Emphysema: Destruction of the air sacs (alveoli) at the end of the smallest air passages.
2. Chronic Bronchitis: Inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, causing a daily cough and mucus.

Symptoms

Symptoms often don't appear until significant lung damage has occurred. They worsen over time:

• Chronic Cough: Often called a "smoker's cough," producing clear, white, yellow, or greenish mucus.
• Shortness of Breath: Especially during physical activities.
• Wheezing: A whistling sound when breathing.
• Chest Tightness: Feeling like you can't take a deep breath.
• Cyanosis: Blueness of the lips or fingernail beds (a sign of low oxygen).
• Morning Throat Clearing: Needing to clear mucus immediately upon waking.

⚠️ EXACERBATIONS (FLARE-UPS)
People with COPD often experience episodes where symptoms become much worse for days or weeks. This can be triggered by a cold, flu, or pollution.

Seek immediate help if you have trouble catching your breath or if your lips turn blue.

Causes

The vast majority of cases are caused by cigarette smoking. However, only about 20-30% of chronic smokers develop clinically apparent COPD, suggesting genetics play a role.

Other causes include:

• Environmental Exposure: Long-term exposure to dust, chemical fumes, or burning fuel (wood/coal) in poorly ventilated homes.
• Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: A rare genetic disorder (approx 1% of cases) where the liver fails to produce a protein that protects the lungs.

Diagnosis

Early diagnosis is crucial because lung damage cannot be reversed.

• Spirometry (Pulmonary Function Test): You blow into a large tube connected to a machine. It measures how much air your lungs can hold and how fast you can blow it out. This can detect COPD before symptoms appear.
• Chest X-Ray / CT Scan: Helps visualize emphysema and rule out lung cancer or heart failure.
• Arterial Blood Gas Analysis: Measures how well your lungs are bringing oxygen into your blood and removing carbon dioxide.

Treatment

While there is no cure, treatment can control symptoms and slow progression.

1. Stop Smoking (The Most Important Step)

It is the only way to stop the damage from getting worse. Talk to your doctor about nicotine replacement therapy.

2. Medications

• Bronchodilators (Inhalers): Relax the muscles around your airways to make breathing easier. (e.g., Albuterol, Spiriva).
• Inhaled Steroids: Reduce airway inflammation to prevent flare-ups. (e.g., Fluticasone).
• Combination Inhalers: Combine bronchodilators and steroids (e.g., Advair, Symbicort).

3. Lung Therapies

• Oxygen Therapy: Supplemental oxygen (portable tanks) helps if your blood oxygen levels are low. It is the only therapy proven to extend life in severe COPD.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation: A program combining exercise, nutrition advice, and counseling to improve quality of life.

4. Surgery

For severe cases where medication isn't enough:

• Lung Volume Reduction Surgery: Removing small wedges of damaged lung tissue to help the remaining healthy tissue work better.
• Lung Transplant: A major operation for specific candidates with end-stage disease.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.