According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 250 million people worldwide are bearing the brunt of COPD[1]. So what exactly causes COPD and how can you lead a better life with the condition? Well, here are some of your questions answered. Have a look!
What Is COPD?
COPD stands for “chronic obstructive pulmonary disease”, which when broken implies
Chronic: It stays for long
Obstructive: Partly blocked
Pulmonary: In the lungs
Disease: Sickness
COPD is a group of lung diseases that block airflow in the lungs and interfere with normal breathing. The most common diseases are emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Common Causes Of COPD
-Smoking or history of smoking (any type of smoking)
-Long-term exposure to dust, smoke or fumes even from cooking stoves and heaters
-Advancing age
Is Asthma And COPD The Same?
Many symptoms of COPD are similar to that of asthma. The differentiating symptom of COPD could be a daily morning cough with yellowish phlegm.
Checklist: Could that cough be due to COPD?
-Do you cough several times most days?
-Do you bring up phlegm or mucus most days?
-Do you get out of breath more easily than others your age?
-Are you older than 40 years?
-Are you a current or an ex-smoker?
If you answered yes to three or more of these questions, we urge you to consult a doctor NOW.
Watch Out For The Symptoms
Mild COPD
-Cough a lot with mucus
-May have breathlessness while doing physical activity or walking rapidly
Moderate COPD
-More cough with mucus
-Take several weeks to recover from cold and chest infections
-May have trouble taking physical strain and daily chores
Severe COPD
-Excessive cough with excessive mucus
-Trouble in breathing day and night
-Get tired easily
-Cannot walk upstairs or across the room
-Blue tinge on the lips or fingernail beds
Get The Most Out Of Each Breath
-Try doing things slowly and while sitting, if possible. Put things near your reach.
-Find easy ways such as using a wheel cart to move heavy things or using ramps instead of stairs.
-Avoid going out when it is crowded.
-Discuss with your doctor about the dos and don’t before traveling.
-Take your medicine as directed and go for regular check-ups.
-Practice simple breathing exercises at home, like pursed lips breathing. For this, inhale through your nose, counting 1,2.. Deep breath is not needed, a normal breath will do. Purse your lips. Breathe out slowly. Do this for 5-10 minutes every day.
Treatment
COPD is not a ‘one size fits all’ disease. Treatments may vary. It’s a progressive disease, but with the right diagnosis and treatment, COPD symptoms can be managed rendering you breathe better.
(The article is reviewed by Dr. Swati Mishra, Medical Editor)
Recommended Reads:
COPD: Symptoms, Causes and Practical Ways To Manage It!
References
1. Key facts. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The World Health Organization (WHO). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-(copd)
2. COPD. National Heart, Lung And Blood Institute (NHLBI). https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/copd