COPD Treatment, Causes | Symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Question:

What is COPD?

Answer:

COPD is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It refers to chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis and emphysema. These are coexisting diseases in which the air passage becomes narrow. As the air passage becomes narrow, the air flow is restricted leading to shortness of breath. It is a progressive irreversible condition of the respiratory tract.

Causes of chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis and emphysema:

The inflammation of the inner lining of the lungs are caused by:

• Tobacco smoking
• Air pollution
• Occupational reasons, like working in coal mines, textile industry, chemical industries where the person comes in direct contact with the fumes, asbestos industry.
  This is the occupational hazard which one has to keep in mind while working in such industries.
• Genetics: it is seen that persons are more susceptible to copd, if their relative is suffering from the disease.
• Autoimmune response also plays part in producing chronic obstructive  pulmonary disease.

Signs and symptoms:

• Chronic and persistent cough with sputum
• History of smoking for a long duration
• Breathlessness on mild physical effort
• Breathing out is prolonged compared to inspiration time
• Enlarged chest area, it looks like a barrel chest
• Breathing requires the help of neck muscles.

Diagnosis is confirmed by spirometry test. It is the test to measure the lung function.

X-ray chest can show hyperinflated lungs, and it may help to exclude other pulmonary diseases. CT scan helps to exclude other disease from emphysema. See last stages of emphysema.

Treatment:

There is no specific cure for the disease, however it can be prevented and treated for the existing symptoms.

• Breathing exercise should be done for  life time because this will delay the onset of emphysema
• Stop smoking: This is one of the most valuable factor  to delay the progress of the disease
• Occupational hazards should  be effectively controlled
• Person suffering from copd should stay away from air pollution
• Supplemental oxygen can be given to persons having low oxygen level.

Some of the home remedies which are helpful:

Turmeric, ginger, spinach and sesame seeds are some of the home remedies valuable in chronic cough. Person should increase the calorie intake and strengthen the muscles if he is suffering from COPD

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