COPD
What is COPD?
COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a term used to describe a number of conditions where damage to the airways in the lungs makes breathing difficult. The condition usually lasts for several months and gets worse over time.
It is estimated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that, by the year 2020, COPD will be ranked as 3rd leading cause of death in world.
What are the symptoms?
A productive (producing phlegm when coughing) or persistent cough is often the first symptom of COPD to appear but is often ignored and dismissed as 'smokers cough'. It may be occasional and not accompanied by sputum production. 1 in 5 smokers aged 15-54 have persistent smokers' cough, yet 48% of this group fail to realise that it could be an early sign of COPD.
Phleghm (pronounced 'flem') production on coughing occurs in up to half of smokers. A change in phleghm colour, from colourless or white to yellow or greenish indicates infection of the airways.
Risk factors
Cigarette smoking accounts for around 90% of COPD cases in the UK.
Other risk factors associated with COPD include:
- Exposure to air pollutants from the environment and work
- History of childhood respiratory infections
- Alpha-1antitrypsin deficiency (a genetic disorder affecting the lungs)
Diagnosis
A doctor may be able to diagnose COPD based on:
- Patient history (including smoking history and family history)
- A physical examination
- Tests or investigations (spirometry, PEFR - Peak Expiratory Flow Rate)
Treatment
If COPD is treated and managed well the quality of life can be greatly improved for the patient.
There are many options available, which you should discuss with your doctor. These include:
- Mucolytic therapy
- Antibiotic therapy
- Oxygen therapy
- Use of bronchodilators (inhalers)
Help yourself
If you are a cigarette smoker and suffer from COPD, it is advisable to give up smoking in order to help control the disease.