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CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE
ABSTRACT -
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long term inflammatory condition of lungs that causes obstruction in air flow and breathing problems.
Two main forms of COPD are:- Chronic Bronchitis
- Emphysema
CAUSES -
- Smoking
- Air Pollution
- Genetics
- Occupational exposure
- Infections
- Medical conditions like Asthma and Airway Hyperreactivity
- Low birth weight
- Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS -
- Weight loss and lack of energy
- Shortness of breath
- Sputum production
- Difficulty in breathing out
- Chest tightness and wheezing
- Tripod positioning
- Blueness of the lips or fingernail beds
- Cor Pulmonale due to high pressure on lung arteries
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Edema in ankles, feet or legs
DIAGNOSIS –
- Spirometry
- COPD Assessment Test (CAT) to determine the severity of disease.
- Chest X-ray and Complete Blood Count (CBC) to exclude other conditions.
- CT scan of chest
- Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency test
TREATMENT –
There is no cure for COPD but it can be prevented, delayed and symptoms also can be treated.
- Avoid smoking
- Vaccinations at proper time interval
- Reduction in exposure to environmental air pollution
- Exercise
- Supplemental Oxygen
- Medications
- Bronchodilators
- Corticosteroids
- Antibiotics
- Mucolytics
- Surgery
People suffering from advanced COPD may require:
- Palliative care
- Morphine to improve shortness of breath
- Noninvasive ventilation
- Guiding people with proper action plan for exacerbation
RISK FACTORS –
- Increasing age
- Genetics
- Exposure to tobacco smoke, dusts, chemicals and fumes from burning fuel
- Asthmatic patients who smoke
PREVENTION –
- Avoid smoking
- Educating workers, using respiratory protective equipment and managing risk at workplaces
- Reduce exposure to cooking and burning fuel smoke through improved ventilation and chimneys at home
- Measures for control in air pollution
- Using solar cooking and electrical heating instead of traditional biomass or wood
COMPLICATIONS –
- Lung Cancer
- Cardiac problems
- Respiratory tract infections
- Depression
- Cor Pulmonale
EPIDEMIOLOGY -
- The prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease globally, is increasing every year due to increase in pollution.
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