Definition | Causes | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Prevention

Definition

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term lung disease. COPD makes it difficult to move air in and out of the lungs. It will make breathing difficult. COPD includes:

The changes to lung tissue differ with the two diseases. However, they often occur together. The causes and treatment of each condition are similar.

Normal and Emphysemic Lung

Normal Lung and Emphysemic Lung
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Causes

COPD is caused by damage to the lungs. This damage is caused by:

  • Cigarette smoking
  • Inhaling toxins or other irritants
  • Genetic predisposition that makes the lungs more vulnerable to damage from smoke or pollutants (includes alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency)

Risk Factors

Factors that increase your chance of developing COPD include:

  • Smoking cigarettes
  • Long-term exposure to second-hand or passive smoke
  • Family members with COPD
  • Exposure to pollutants
  • History of frequent childhood lung infections
  • Age: 40 years or older

Symptoms

Early symptoms of COPD include:

  • Coughing
  • Increased sputum production (mucus from deep in the lungs)
  • Wheezing
  • Shortness of breath with activity

As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:

  • Increased shortness of breath
  • Choking sensation when lying flat
  • Fatigue
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Heart problems
  • Weight loss
  • Breathing through pursed lips
  • Desire to lean forward to improve breathing
  • More frequent flare-ups (periods of more severe symptoms)

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

Your doctor will need to test how impaired your lungs are. This may be done with:

  • Lung function tests (spirometry)—to test the force of your breath
  • Blood test—to test oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood

Your doctor may also need detailed pictures of your lungs. This may be done with:

Treatment

There is no cure for COPD. Treatment aims to ease symptoms and improve quality of life.

Treatment includes:

Quitting smoking slows the disease. It is the most important part of treatment. There are many programs to help you quit, including:

  • Behavior change program
  • Medication
  • Combination of behavior program and medication

Limit the number of irritants in the air you breathe. It may help make breathing easier. Avoid smoke, dust, smog, extreme heat or cold, and high altitudes.

Medication for COPD may help by:

  • Opening the airways
  • Relaxing the breathing passages
  • Decreasing inflammation
  • Treating lung infections (antibiotics)

Some medication may be taken as pills or liquids. Others are inhaled medications that are delivered directly to the lungs.

The flu and pneumonia can make your symptoms worse. Get vaccinated against pneumonia and the flu. The flu vaccine may also reduce COPD flare-ups.

Oxygen therapy may be helpful if the oxygen levels in your blood are too low. It can relieve trouble breathing and improve energy. You may only need it for specific activities. It could also be given throughout the day.

Special exercises can strengthen chest muscles. This can make it easier to breathe.

Regular physical activity can reduce the workload on your lungs. It helps build their endurance. Physical activity is also associated with improved quality of life. Follow your doctor's recommendations for activity levels and restrictions.

Special methods of breathing can help bring more air into your lungs. It can also help force trapped air out of your lungs. Effective coughing techniques can help clear mucus from your lungs. Ask your doctor if these techniques can help you. Some examples include:

  • Pursed-lip breathing
  • Controlled coughing technique

Eating habits to consider with COPD:

  • Eat a healthy diet. It should be low in saturated fat. It should also be rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods.
  • Maintain a normal weight. Excess weight causes the lungs and heart to work harder.
  • It may be hard to eat because you feel full. Try eating several smaller meals during the day. This is better than a few large meals.
  • Slow down your eating pace. This will make it easier to breathe.
  • If you need to gain weight, add food or drinks throughout the day. Talk to a dietitian about how many calories you need each day.

The following may help you manage COPD symptoms and avoid flare-ups:

A small number of patients may benefit from surgery. Surgery options include removing a part of the lung. You could also have a lung transplant.

Prevention

Take these steps to reduce your chance of developing COPD:

  • If you smoke, quit.
  • Avoid exposure to second-hand smoke.
  • Avoid exposure to air pollution or irritants.
  • Wear protective gear if exposed to irritants or toxins at work.