About the diseases
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. It’s typically caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, most often from cigarette smoke. People with COPD are at increased risk of developing heart disease, lung cancer and a variety of other conditions. In India, non-smoking causes of COPD contribute to a significant diseases burden, especially in women. Certain individuals with some genetic predisposition ( alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency) can develop COPD even without the exposure to inciting agents.
Symptoms
- Breathing difficulty
- Cough
- Mucus (sputum) production
- Wheezing
- Frequent respiratory infections
Diagnosis
Spirometry or pulmonary function test is used to diagnose COPD. We may advise a detailed PFT including lung volumes and diffusion testing to evaluate a COPD patient in detail. Emphysema can also be diagnosed on radiological tests like HRCT chest and chest x ray.
People with COPD are also likely to experience episodes called exacerbations, during which their symptoms become worse than the usual day-to-day variation and persist for at least several days.
Advise for patients
Avoiding exposure to smoke and other known inciting agents. If there is occupational smoke exposure wear the masks as per guidelines.
If you are diagnosed with COPD and a current smoker, the first step is to work towards smoking cessation as that can also help improve your symptoms.