CONDITIONS
Pulmonology
Chronic obstructive airway disease (COPD)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a condition that causes inflammation and damage to the lungs that subsequently leads to breathing difficulties. The most common forms of COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Emphysema is a condition where small air passageways in the lungs called bronchioles are destroyed by harmful gases. With chronic bronchitis, the lining of the bronchial tubes that carry air to the lungs become inflamed and affect breathing. If left untreated, COPD related problems can lead to serious health conditions such as lung cancer.
What causes COPD?
COPD is generally caused by exposure to harmful gases and fumes or smoking tobacco. When these substances enter your lungs, they can cause damage and inflammation that makes it difficult to breathe.
What are the related symptoms?
COPD conditions such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis are characterised by coughing, shortness of breath, excess mucus, wheezing, fatigue and tightness in the chest. These symptoms can obstruct your breathing and affect your overall quality of life, especially when you exert yourself physically.
How is COPD diagnosed?
In order to diagnose COPD, your physician will need to conduct several tests and assess your symptoms. Your family history and lifestyle will also be discussed so that your doctor can determine what underlying causes may be contributing to these symptoms. COPD is commonly misdiagnosed, however, x-rays, scans and lung function tests can be used to confirm the condition. During the lung function test, the amount of air you inhale and exhale will be examined. Your physician will most likely ask you to blow into a tube so that a machine called a spirometer can measure your lung function. CT scans and blood tests may also be performed to confirm a COPD diagnosis.
How is COPD treated?
COPD diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis are incurable but treatable. Your physician will prescribe medicine to help you manage your symptoms and advise you on lifestyle changes to improve your breathing. You may need to quit smoking, and medications can include steroids, antibiotics and inhalers. COPD can be managed with treatment to ensure that more serious illnesses like lung cancer do not develop.
