What Is COPD?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a group of chronic lung diseases that worsen with time. While incurable, it is treatable if caught early. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are two forms of COPD.
With COPD, the lungs become inflamed. This inflammation decreases the amount of oxygen that can reach the body’s tissues. It also makes it more difficult for the body to get rid of carbon dioxide. COPD patients suffer from airflow blockage.
Worldwide Statistics
According to Pulmonology Advisor, COPD is the most common chronic pulmonary disorder and the fourth leading cause of death worldwide.
COPD causes 3.17 million or 5% of deaths of any kind globally each year. It is estimated that there are approximately 175 million cases of COPD around the world.
90% of COPD cases occur in low and middle-income countries where effective prevention strategies are not as accessible as they are in other countries.
Why Is COPD Difficult To Detect?
According to a study published in the Respiratory Medicine journal, errors in spirometry, primary care misdiagnosis, and patient-related factors may be primarily responsible for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) misdiagnosis. It is estimated that 20% of COPD cases are misdiagnosed due to these reasons. Patients may also hold back critical information that would allow for a correct diagnosis.
When diagnosis gets delayed, significant lung damage might occur.
Signs and Symptoms of COPD
These include:
- Chronic cough
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Excessive phlegm or sputum production.
- Frequent respiratory infections.
- Pain upon taking a deep breath.
- Lips or fingernail beds tinted blue (cyanosis)
- Excessive fatigue
- Becoming easily winded with even the most minor activity
Stages of COPD
COPD has 4 stages, and early detection is key for effective treatment. Treatment mostly involves inhalers, medication, and nebulizers. In later stages, full-time oxygen may be necessary.
The stages of COPD are measured according to the results from spirometry, which measures your lung capacity, and two sets of tests that measure how much air can be expelled in a breath and the current stage of the disease. The four stages of COPD are classified as follows:
Stage 1: This stage is considered to be mild, and the patient might not even notice the symptoms.
Stage 2: Considered as moderate COPD, at this stage, the patient notices increased breathlessness upon exertion, the chronic cough becomes significantly worse, and mucus production is further increased.
Stage 3: Lung function declines further. In addition to the previous symptoms, fatigue becomes debilitating. Any activity at all can bring extreme shortness of breath. Exacerbations in the form of tightening of the airways, increased mucus, and inflammation of the lungs are more frequent. At this stage, COPD is considered to be severe.
Stage 4: All previous symptoms become worse at this stage. Confusion and depression may become an issue. Chest pain is frequent. The patient becomes easily disoriented and will begin to suffer morning headaches. Quality of life is impaired, and any further exacerbation can be life-threatening. Surgery may be required to extract the damaged lung tissue.
Preventative Measures
The biggest factor in developing COPD is cigarette smoking. Smoking is best avoided, but if the habit is prevalent, quitting as soon as possible can be beneficial for respiratory health.
Avoiding lung irritants such as air pollution, chemical fumes, second-hand smoke, and dust can also help prevent COPD. If you suspect COPD or its symptoms, it is best to get rid of as many irritants in your home and life as possible and consult a doctor for COPD treatment.
Keeping your surroundings as clean as possible will keep potential irritants from entering your environment. If you work in an environment where chemical fumes are common, wear a mask. Avoiding the various causes of COPD can lower your chances of falling prey to it.
