How To Recognize COPD Disease Symptoms Early?

In many parts of India, the air pollution rate is increasing (from 1998 to 2021, the average particulate pollution shot up by 67.7% p.a.), and so is the rate of COPD-affected patients. As per the studies by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), in north India, the majority of COPD is almost 19.4%, the highest in India.

Why? Let’s understand what COPD disease is, its causes, and treatment options in detail!

What you need to know:

What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?
The causes of COPD
Common symptoms of COPD
COPD treatment options

What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a common inflammatory lung disease that causes impeded airflow. It produces large amounts of mucus (a slimy substance), which damages or clogs the lungs, making breathing harder over time.

This chronic disease has four major stages: mild, moderate, severe, and very severe.

The spectrum of COPD: Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis, and Airflow Obstruction

It causes three major conditions:
Emphysema: A pathological detection that affects the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs, causing abnormal enlargement.
Chronic bronchitis: Inflammation (swelling) of the bronchial tubes, causing constant coughing and mucus production.
Airflow obstruction: Keeps the air from getting in and out of the airways in the lungs.

The causes of COPD

The following are the causes of COPD disease:

Smoking and secondhand smoke exposure

Cigarette smoking is the main reason behind getting COPD. It causes chronic irritation and damage to the lungs. The majority of individuals affected by this disease are smokers, which is 8.31% higher than among non-smokers. Also, long-term exposure to secondhand smoke can increase this risk.

Air Pollution and occupational exposures

Long-term exposure to anything, from air pollution and dust to chemicals and fumes, that damage the airways and lung tissue can cause COPD.

Genetic predisposition

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (a rare genetic condition) can lead to COPD. Even people who have never smoked or been exposed to significant environmental pollutants can get COPD due to this.

Common symptoms of COPD

Here are the common symptoms of COPD:

Chronic Cough with mucus production

A constant cough that makes thick mucus
Usually worse in the morning

Shortness of breath, especially during activity

Difficulty breathing (during physical work or even mild activities)
Gradual start, which worsens over time

Chest tightness and wheezing

Feeling a certain tightness or pressure in the chest
Wheezing sound or gasping while breathing (mainly during exhale)
Fatigue
Cyanosis (a condition in which your skin, lips, or nails turn blue due to a lack of oxygen in your blood)
Swelling in ankles and feet

COPD treatment options

The following are the COPD treatment options:

Bronchodilators for improved airflow

Try to relax the muscles around the airways and allow them to widen. Fast or short-acting bronchodilators bring relief quicker, but long-acting bronchodilators take time. They are used regularly to support open airways.

Common types include:
Beta-agonists or Beta-adrenergic agonists
Anticholinergics

Inhaled steroids to reduce inflammation

It reduces inflammation in the airways and helps to prevent swelling and mucus production. These steroids are used regularly to prevent the situation from worsening. They are mostly prescribed along with bronchodilators.
For example:
Fluticasone
Budesonide
Beclomethasone

Pulmonary rehabilitation for exercise training

Combines exercise, education, and support. It’s developed to help the lung function better and includes multiple breathing techniques.

Oxygen therapy for severe cases

It supplies extra oxygen to maintain adequate blood oxygen levels for patients with severe COPD or low oxygen levels. It is given through nasal prongs, masks, or portable devices and is prescribed during rest or activity.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) poses a significant health challenge globally. Understanding and taking care of its causes and symptoms on time can contribute highly to the disease’s progression and impact on respiratory function.

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