COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
COPD is the disease that is characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. This disease is usually progressive and often later on leads to respiratory failure and hospitalization. Moreover, this is most commonly seen in the lungs of chronic smokers or patients that are exposed to chulha smoke. Also, other caused include occupational dust and chemical exposure and indoor and outdoor air pollution. Therefore, this is a disease of old patients exception being the patients of alpha1 antitrypsin deficiency who manifest the disease at a younger age.
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)- Dr. Nishtha Singh
What are the symptoms of COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) symptoms usually don’t occur until significant lung disease has occurred, and they usually worsen day by day. Moreover, the most common symptoms include cough, expectoration and breathlessness on walking. Similarly, these symptoms gradually increase with time. So, some common symptoms of COPD are:
- During any physical activities, you may feel Shortness of breath
- Wheezing (Whistle Sound while breathing)
- You may produce a chronic cough similar to mucus (sputum) that may be clear, white, yellow, or greenish
- Chest tightness
- The blueness of the lips or also fingernail beds (cyanosis)
- Swelling in ankles, feet, or legs
- Respiratory infections
- Losing Weight
- Weakness
What are the tests to diagnose?
The tests useful for the diagnosis may include-
- Chest X-Ray- showing hyper inflated lungs.
- Spirometry- FEV1/FVC value <0.70
- ECG, blood counts to evaluate for other associated illnesses
Are there any associated illnesses?
The comorbidities include-
- Weight loss
- Skeletal muscle dysfunction
- Nutritional abnormalities
- Myocardial infarction, angina
- Osteoporosis
- Respiratory infection
- Depression
- Diabetes
What is the treatment?
Treatment includes-
- Inhalers both metered dose inhalers and dry powdered inhalers
- Pneumococcal vaccination
- Rehabilitation remains a key intervention
- Oxygen therapy in late stages
When to see a COPD Expert
Also, talk to expert Dr. Nishtha Singh, if your symptoms are getting worse. Consult for immediate medical care at Asthma Bhawan.