What is the full form of COPD?

Introduction

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a group of pulmonary (lung) diseases that progresses over time. In COPD, the airflow becomes restricted and the person has difficulty breathing and breathing-related problems.

The less flow of air in and out of the lungs can be due to the following one or more reasons −

• The air sacs and airways become less elastic.

• The walls of the air sacs can become clogged due to more mucus production or thicker and inflamed.

• They can get destroyed.

The two main conditions included in COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Causes and Risk Factors for COPD

In COPD, the main causes of obstruction of airways are smoking and air pollution. It includes the following risk factors which can lead to COPD −

• Smoking − Smoking tobacco actively or passively in the form of cigars, cigarettes, pipes, etc. is the major cause of COPD.

• Lung irritants − Lung irritants other than smoke such as dust, fumes, or chemicals developed either in homes during cooking or working in a factory are part of air pollution, which is a risk factor for COPD.

• Asthma − A person already having asthma from childhood is more prone to COPD.

• Infection − Any infection such as tuberculosis and HIV makes the person more susceptible to COPD.

• Genetic deficiency − A protein called alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT), its deficiency is a genetic condition that can cause COPD at a young age

• Affected growth and development of lungs − Improper growth in the uterus, premature birth, or frequent lung infections can affect the growth and development of lungs which can become a risk factor for COPD.

• Age − Depending upon the exposure to risk factors, COPD can develop at a younger age. However, its symptoms are more visible over 40 years of age.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of COPD

COPD might not show any symptoms in the beginning but it gets worsen with time. The symptoms of COPD are −

• Shortness of breath

• Wheezing and producing sound while breathing

• Frequent coughing with mucus

• Feeling tired and unable to perform activities like walking

• Chest heaviness or tightness

• Frequent lung infections such as cold or flu

• Weight loss, swelling in ankles, feet, or legs, and weak muscle in severe cases.

The diagnosis of COPD is dependent on the symptoms shown by a person. It includes taking the medical and family history of the person first, asking whether he is or was a smoker, and performing certain tests, such as −

• Spirometry − It is a type of noninvasive test used to detect COPD which measures the functioning of lungs that how much and how fast air is breathed out.

• Lung Function Tests − Other lung function tests includes Peak expiratory flow, FeNO test, and Arterial Blood Gas Test are also used for diagnosing COPD. In the Arterial Blood Gas Test, the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide is measured in the blood.

• Imaging Tests − X-rays or CT scans be used to look at detailed images of the lung, heart, and blood vessels.

Treatment and Management of COPD

COPD is an incurable lung disease. However, its symptoms can be managed to decrease the disease progression and improve the symptoms. It can be treated in the following ways −

• Lifestyle changes − Quit smoking and make a more healthy lifestyle by taking a balanced diet and exercising regularly. Pulmonary rehabilitation is an exercise program in which training on disease management and nutritional and psychological counseling are given.

• Medication − The symptoms can be treated using inhaled Bronchodilators, Steroid pills, antibiotics, and vaccines.

• Surgery − In severe cases, surgeries such as Bullectomy, lung transplant, implanting endobronchial valves, and lung volume reduction surgery can be performed to manage the disease.

• Oxygen therapy − In cases of low blood oxygen levels, oxygen therapy is given using a nasal cannula or face mask to increase the oxygen levels in the blood.

Conclusion

COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a long-term lung disease that progresses over time. It affects the airflow and breathing in an individual due to damaged air sacs and walls. COPD and asthma have common symptoms so both can be present in an individual and other pulmonary can also be present. Smoking and pollution are the major causes that can worsen the condition. It is not a curable disease so only symptoms are treated with medicines and therapies. Quitting smoking and making changes to lead a healthy life are the only preventative measures to prevent COPD and other related conditions.

FAQs

Q1. What is emphysema?

Ans: Emphysema can be a condition or type of COPD in which the walls of the air sacs present at the end of the lungs get damaged. Air sacs are stretchy or elastic which can inflate like a small balloon on breathing in air as the air gets filled up in it and it can deflate when air is breathed out. In the case of emphysema, due to damaged walls, it becomes hard to move out air from the lungs.

Q2. What is chronic bronchitis?

Ans: Chronic bronchitis is a type of COPD condition of having a long-term cough with phlegm production due to inflammation and constant irritation of the airways lining. The excess mucus in the airways makes it difficult to breathe.

Q3. What is COPD flare-up?

Ans: As COPD is a chronic disease, it weakens the lung due to progressive symptoms. It makes it difficult for the lungs to fight infection, colds, or from pollution, or smoke damage. The symptoms get triggered due to cold air, smells, poor air quality, or any lung infection and lead to a sudden worsening of the condition, this condition is known as COPD flare-up or Exacerbation.