The term used for chronic lung conditions that obstructs airways in
your lungs is known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). It
usually refers to damage and obstruction caused by asthmatic
bronchitis, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Blockage within the tubes
and air sacs that make up your lungs, which hinders the ability to
exhale, is a common symptom of all forms of COPD.
It is a
major cause of illness throughout the world and the fourth vital cause
of death in US. It is caused by long-term smoking and once the symptoms
appear, the damage done cannot be reversed. The only prevention is to
quit smoking. Controlling symptoms and preventing further damage are
the primary treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Until
and unless there is any significant lung damage, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease lies dormant, but once the symptoms begin they worsen
over time. The signs of COPD are:
Shortness of breath during physical activities
Increased mucus production and
Frequent cough
A
rare genetic disorder known as alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, which
results from low levels of protein is also a cause for COPD.
The Medical Tests recommended to track the symptoms of COPD are:
Spirometry the most common lung function test
Chest x-ray
Arterial blood gas analysis
Sputum examination
Computerized Tomography or CT Scan
The three basic groups of medications used by doctors to treat symptoms of COPD are:
Bronchodilators, which usually comes as inhalers to relieve coughing and shortness of breath.
Inhaled cortico steroid medications help better breathing and reduce airway inflammation.
Antibiotics which help fighting bacterial infections
For those, medications alone does not prove sufficient, surgery is an option for them:
Lung volume reduction surgery
Lung transplantation
Doctors also prefer other therapies for people with severe or moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, like:
Oxygen Therapy to deliver oxygen into the lungs
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program, which include education, exercise training, nutrition advice and counseling.
Even
during treatment the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
may worsen due to infections or air pollution. To manage exacerbations,
you need prompt medication, oxygen supplementation or hospitalization.
The
most essential treatments for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease are to quit smoking, take up daily exercise, proper medications
and to lead an active and healthy life.