Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease characterized by airflow obstruction and shortness of breath. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are progressive diseases of the lungs within the umbrella called COPD. COPD remains one of the commonly diagnosed entities and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially when the disease goes undiagnosed, especially in its initial presentation.

Generally, COPD affects individuals above 40 years of age, especially those who smoke cigarettes. In this regard, COPD is a chronic disease that can modify the lifestyle if undiagnosed and untreated. Though no cure exists, patients can live full and active lives when treated reasonably early and correctly.

What is COPD?

A chronic, irreversible disease of the lung with longstanding respiratory symptoms but reversible airflow limitation. COPD in years develops, slow course, before they experience evident symptoms. Most of the patients credit early signs as being due to inactivity or ageing. Two elementary conditions that Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) possesses:

  • Chronic bronchitis with a persistent cough that's coupled with the production of mucus.
  • Emphysema with damage to the air space in the lungs.
Both of these are responsible for shortness of breath, which is a feature of patients with COPD.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of COPD

COPD Symptoms and Diagnosis differ from person to person, but some common symptoms are:

  • Worsening cough
  • Mucus production
  • Shortness of breath after exercise or exertion
  • Wheezing
  • Squeezing chest
  • Cold or respiratory infections that keep recurring again and again to you
The diagnosis is established on spirometry, a pulmonary function test that determines the volume and rate at which one is able to breathe in and out. Laboratory tests, chest X-rays, and CT scans determine the degree and extent of lung damage. It is essential for the functioning of COPD to carry out early diagnosis and control complications.

Causes of COPD

The pathogenesis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is increasingly a factor of the chronic inhalation exposure to lung irritants. The foremost cause and by far the strongest Cause of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is smoking, but other possible causes are:

  • Passive smoking
  • Indoor and outdoor air pollution
  • Workplace exposures to chemicals and dust
  • Genetic reasons, i.e., Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
An utmost necessity to forbid any such exposure is to prevent disease progression and exacerbation.

Stages of COPD

The stages of COPD assist in identifying the extent of the disease and the course of treatment:

  • Mild (GOLD 1) – Rarely breathless; few symptoms
  • Moderate (GOLD 2) – Increasing cough and shortness of breath with exercise
  • Severe (GOLD 3) – Obviously restricted activities; frequent exacerbations
  • Very Severe (GOLD 4) – Very restricted breathing; risk of respiratory failure
Each phase needs individual treatment, medication, and lifestyle modification.

COPD Treatment Options

COPD Treatment Options aim to provide symptom relief, prevention of complications, and the improvement of the quality of life. The ailment has no cure, but treatment strategies are very effective. Treatment approaches include:

  • Inhaled bronchodilators relax the muscle spasms and keep the airways open.
  • Inhaled corticosteroids reduce inflammation in the lungs.
  • Combination inhalers provide relief in the short term and control long-term.
  • Oral medications are applicable for moderate to severe COPD.
  • Pulmonary rehabilitation, which is a combination of exercise and education, and support.
  • Vaccination against respiratory infections.
In more advanced cases, treatment with lung volume reduction or transplant is necessary.

Breathing Exercises in the Life of COPD Patients

Implementation of breathing exercises for COPD patients can decrease difficulty breathing and increase lung function. Two of them are efficient:

  • Pursed-lip breathing
  • Decreases breathing rate
  • Keeps airways open longer
  • Decreases breathlessness
  • Diaphragmatic breathing
  • Sensitizes the diaphragm muscle
  • Encourages deep breathing
  • Slows the rate of breathing
Repetition of the exercises assigned on a regular basis allows the patient to regain control over breathing, especially on exertion or exacerbation.

Oxygen Therapy in COPD

COPD patients need Oxygen Therapy to treat severe blood oxygen deficiency. Oxygen therapy reduces dyspnea and fatigue symptoms and sustains organ function. Oxygen may be delivered by:

  • Nasal cannulas or face masks
  • Ambulatory oxygen concentrators
  • Intermittent or continuous flow as directed
Home oxygen therapy must be given carefully with proper training and precautions.

What to Know About COPD vs Asthma?

COPD and Asthma are also distinct. Asthma is typically triggered by allergens and can be managed with medication. COPD, on the other hand, develops over time due to chemical exposure and destroys the lungs irreversibly. In contrast to asthma, the symptoms of COPD worsen. Proper diagnosis is needed because the treatment for the two diseases can be quite different.


COPD and Its Relation With Various Conditions


COPD and Smoking

COPD also has a well-established, strong relationship with smoking. Smoking destroys lung tissue by killing air sacs and inducing inflammation. COPD and Smoking narrow airways and remove the natural lung function of purifying the air, so that it is easy for infection to establish itself.

Advantages of quitting smoking:
  • Delays the disease process
  • Suppresses flare-ups
  • Improve lung function
  • Improves life span
Stoptober is one most crucial steps towards COPD treatment, irrespective of the severity of the disease.

Diet in COPD Patients

A regular diet is essential. Diet management in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients maintains immunity, energy, and muscle strength. Malnutrition worsens the disease and poses a more significant risk of infection. The best dietary counsel is:

  • Take a high fiber, antioxidant diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains)
  • Take low-fat protein foods such as fish, poultry, legumes
  • Avoid fried, salted, and sweet foods
  • Take fluids in large amounts to thin out mucus
  • Eat several small meals to avoid breathlessness when eating
  • Nutrition for COPD Patients enhances overall lung function and endurance.

COPD and Respiratory Infections

COPD patients become more prone to developing pneumonia, bronchitis, and the flu. COPD, along with Respiratory Infections, is a dual medical condition in which infections consistently rank as one of the leading causes of hospital admissions and symptom deterioration.

Preventive care

  • Annual pneumococcal vaccine and seasonal flu vaccine
  • Follow proper hand hygiene
  • Avoid crowded places during flu epidemics
  • Treatment at the time of infection
  • Early medical treatment prevents complications and recovers fast.

COPD Management of Flare-Up

Properly managing COPD Flare-Ups can prevent disease progression. Triggers are infections, air pollution, allergens, and stress.

Symptoms of a flare-up are:

  • Increased wheezing
  • Increased coughing
  • Mucus color or thickness altered
  • Fever or chills

Treatment:

  • Take rescue medications as directed
  • Increase fluid intake
  • Call your doctor right away
  • Avoid known triggers
Early treatment stabilises the disease and avoids hospitalisation.

Life modification in COPD patients

Healthy Lifestyle Changes for COPD Patients are highly crucial in prognosis and quality of life. Adhering to some of the suggestions given:

  • Avoid smoking completely
  • Exercise regularly with exercise according to need
  • Indoor air hygiene cleanliness
  • Rest and stress relaxation
  • Use air cleaners to reduce indoor pollutants
  • Use mental health support and counselling as and when required
Gradual evolution of the aforementioned changes over time will increase the quality of life to a very great extent.

Conclusion

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an ancient but controllable lung disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Even though it cannot be cured, early diagnosis, lifestyle modification, medical management, and breathing exercises can slow down the deteriorating effect significantly. With symptom awareness, elimination of precipitating factors, and healthy choice-making, patients become independent and improve the quality of life. If you, or someone known to you, may be in danger, do not wait, get tested and take control of your Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) today.

 Please book an appointment with the Best Pulmonologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease.