Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or
COPD, is a PROGRESSIVE inflammatory lung disease characterized by INCREASING breathing difficulty. Other symptoms include cough, most commonly
with mucus, chest tightness and wheezing. COPD develops as a result of LONG-TERM exposure
to irritants such as smoke, chemical fumes or dusts, and may go UNNOTICED for years. Most people show symptoms after the age of
40 when the disease is already in its advanced stage. The lungs consist of millions of air tubes
or airways, called bronchi and bronchioles, which bring air in and out of the body. These airways end with tiny air sacs – the
alveoli – where the gas exchange process takes place. REPEATED inhalation of irritants results in
a CHRONIC inflammatory response which brings in a large amount of defensive cells along
with inflammatory chemicals from the immune system. Inflammation of the airways causes them to
thicken and produce mucus, NARROWING the air passage – this is known as CHRONIC BRONCHITIS. Inflammatory chemicals also dissolve alveolar
walls, resulting in DESTRUCTION of the air sacs – this is EMPHYSEMA.
COPD is, basically, a COMBINATION of these
two conditions. Tobacco smoking is accountable for about 90%
of COPD cases. These include current, former smokers and
people frequently exposed to second-hand smoke. Extended contact with harmful chemicals such
as fumes from burning fuel or dusts, at home or workplace, may also cause COPD. Genetics has been implicated in a small number
of cases. Notably, a condition known as alpha-1 antitrypsin
deficiency, or AAT deficiency, has been shown to increase risks for COPD and other lung
diseases. AAT protein protects the lungs from damaging
effects of enzymes released during inflammation. Low levels of AAT make lung tissues more vulnerable
to destruction when inflamed. While people with AAT deficiency may develop
COPD even WITHOUT smoking or exposure to harmful irritants, AAT deficient smokers are at MUCH
greater risks. COPD is diagnosed based on symptoms, history
of exposure to irritants and lung function tests. The major test for COPD is SPIROMETRY, in
which the patient is asked to blow into a tube connected to a machine – a spirometer.
Spirometry evaluates pulmonary functions by
measuring the volume and the speed of air flow during inhalation and exhalation. There is no cure for COPD but treatments can
relieve symptoms, prevent complications and slow down progression of the disease. The first and most essential step to treatment
is to stop smoking and/or improve air quality at home and workplace. These are also the most effective measures
in preventing the disease. Other treatments include:
-Medication: bronchodilators are used to widen the airways; steroids to relieve inflammation. -Vaccination against flu and pneumococcal
pneumonia: this is to prevent serious complications COPD patients may have with these respiratory
infections. -Supplemental oxygen: this can improve quality
of life provided that the patient no longer smokes. -Breathing exercises and other therapies as
part of a pulmonary rehabilitation program. -Finally, surgery may be performed for severe
cases when other methods fail.
Surgical procedures include bullectomy, lung
volume reduction surgery, where damaged parts of the lung are removed; and lung transplant,
where the entire diseased lung is replaced with a healthy lung from a deceased donor..