Breathing Problems: COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

COPD is one of the major causes of disability in the United States, and the third largest cause of death as well. There are millions of people who are suffering from this disease. Although, there is a huge percentage of individuals who may have the disease and may not even know about it.

COPD is usually diagnosed in older or middle-aged adults. This disease is not contagious.

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) causes difficulty in breathing. COPD has two main types of chronic bronchitis and emphysema.  The cause of COPD is damage to the lungs by air pollution, chemical fumes or dust; however, cigarette smoking is the main reason for COPD. 

Breathing is a process which causes air flow from airways and elastic air sacs. Breathing in causes air sacs to inflate like a small balloon, while breathing out causes them to deflate pushing the air out. In COPD, less air flows in and out of these airways because of inelasticity, wall of air sacs are destroyed, the walls become thick and inflamed, and airways become clogged because of mucus. Due to these reasons it becomes problematic for the patients to breathe.

This disease develops slowly; symptoms often worsen gradually limiting your capacity to perform routine activities. Chronic COPD may even prevent one from doing basic activities like walking, sleeping, or eating. Common symptoms include coughing with mucus, shortness of breath while doing physical activity, wheezing and chest tightness.

Diagnosis of COPD involves lung functions test, imaging test, blood test. COPD has no cure yet; doctors have failed to repair the damage caused to the airways and lungs. Although, certain treatments have shown positive results including medicines, oxygen therapy, surgery or lungs transplant. This disease can be avoided by following a healthy lifestyle and quitting smoking.

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