COPD
People suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease have airways that are blocked and narrowed due to damage. Causes of COPD can be different. 95% of COPD is caused due to smoking of cigarettes.
And 5% of COPD is caused due to different other reasons like significant exposure to dust such as wood, coal or grain or by lung infections in early childhood.
It can be assumed that 1% is of COPD cases and 2% is of emphysema cases are caused due to genetically based deficiencies in an enzyme called apha-1 antitrypsin.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease COPD Symptoms
- Increase in the thickness or stickiness of sputum
- Increase in the amount of sputum produced
- General feeling of ill health
- Change in the sputum colour to green or yellow or the presence of blood in the sputum
- Increase in the severity of shortness of breath, cough or wheezing
- Swelling of your ankle
- You tend to forget things, confusion, sleepiness and slurring of speech
- Trouble sleeping
- Sleeping in a chair instead of a bed or using more pillows to avoid shortness of breath
- Unexplained decrease or increase in weight
- Lack of energy that is persistent and increased feeling of fatigue
- Lack of sexual drive
- Restlessness,increasing morning headaches and dizziness
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease COPD Diagnosis
- Breathing, Exercise and Oxygen Tests
- X-Rays and CT (CAT) Scans
- Other tests include Bronchoscopy, Mucus culture, Bone scan, pH probe study
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease COPD Treatment
COPD can’t be cured;however, it can be dealt with. Early diagnosis, your daily lifestyle, proper medication can help you lead an ordinary and dynamic life, get a handle on your life in a better way.
Stopping smoking is an essential stride in treating your COPD. In fact, if you stop smoking, you will feel better in lot more ways. COPD will deteriorate if you keep on smoking or are around second-hand smoke or air pollution.
Take Your COPD Medications on time
COPD drugs can’t cure COPD, yet they can enhance your manifestations. Your doctor will prescribe the right COPD medicines that will make your health better.
- Bronchodilators
- Inhaled steroids
- Combination inhalers
- Theophylline
- Oral steroids
- Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors
- Antibiotics