22 Jun Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a condition that can arise due to another medical condition, such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis. However, it can be caused by any long-term exposure to small particulates or irritating gases, including cigarette smoke. It is characterized by breathing difficulty, coughing, excess mucus, and wheezing.
Symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Diagnosing this disease starts with a full understanding of the symptoms, as well as what can cause this medical condition.
Symptoms include:
- A chronic cough
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Excess mucus, especially in the morning
It can also include unlikely symptoms that include blue fingernail beds, lack of energy, and unintended weight loss.
Causes of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
The main cause of COPD is tobacco smoking, but there are other causes that have been associated with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease as well. They include:
- Exposure to dust and chemicals
- Exposure to fumes from burning fuel
- Chronic bronchitis
Genetics and age can also play a factor in whether or not a person develops this disease. A combination of symptoms and a history of the patient are used to determine what, if any, medical tests need to be administered.
How the lungs are affected
Two large tubes, called bronchi, deliver air down into the lungs. There, they divide into smaller tubes called bronchioles, finally ending in tiny air sacs that are called alveoli.
A patient with COPD has lost much of the elasticity in the bronchioles and alveoli. It is more difficult for them to force air out of their body, which causes air to remain trapped in the lungs, even after exhaling.
Complications of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
COPD is often concomitant to another disease. That’s because it can cause a wide variety of complications that include:
- Respiratory infections from colds to the flu and pneumonia
- Heart problems, like heart disease and heart attack
- Lung cancer, especially if the patient is currently smoking
- Depression, as it can keep a patient from doing the things they love