Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Symptoms, Treatment & More

This is a common lung disease with progressive airway obstruction. It is commonly confused with Asthma as the symptoms are quite similar. Unlike Asthma there is little or no reversibility in COPD, so you may require treatment throughout your life.

• IT IS STRONGLY RELATED TO SMOKING

WHAT IS COPD?

This is a disease in which there is airway obstruction which gradually increases with time, causing difficulty in breathing with increasing severity.

It is mainly characterized by:

• Continues cough for 3 months of a year for 2 or more years, a condition called Chronic Bronchitis.
• Enlarged air spaces with destruction of walls of Alveoli, a condition called as Emphysema.

What are the signs of COPD?

Most common signs are:

• Cough with sputum
• Difficulty in breathing
• Barrel Chest
• Marked decrease in physical activity

What tests are required to confirm COPD?

Your doctor may require you to undertake certain tests if he suspects that you have COPD, some of which are:

• Lung Function Tests
• X-ray
• Arterial Blood Gas Analysis
• Certain other blood tests

How is COPD Treated?

Smoking Cessation is most important.

• Medicines : Steroids, Salmeterol, Mucolytics
• Long Term Oxygen Therapy (LTOT)
• Respiratory rehabilitation

Complications

• Acute Attack
• Respiratory Failure
• Cardiac Hypertrophy

Red Flags

• Gasping for air
• Blue lips and hands
• Cold hands &sweating
• Loss of consciousness

If you notice any of these then contact your doctor immediately