COPD Full Form, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Complications

The COPD full form is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder. As per reports, around 2 to 3% of the world population is suffering from COPD and breathing issues. One of the major reasons for COPD is the increase in the pollution level and long-term exposure to toxic chemicals.

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COPD Full Form

Causes of COPD

• As per reports, cigarette smoking is known as the leading cause of COPD in adults. Cigarette, in general, contains a high amount of toxic chemicals that irritate and inflame the airways and lungs, leading to chronic bronchitis and emphysema
• The second leading cause of COPD is long-term exposure to harmful and toxic pollutants. This is mainly experienced by miners, construction workers, and textile workers who have to be in close contact with the chemicals, dust, fumes, and gases
• Living near areas that have high exposure to air pollutants namely, particulate or toxic fumes increases the risk of COPD. Also, patients who live in poorly ventilated areas or use biomass for cooking can experience the symptoms
• Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a rare genetic condition that can cause COPD in individuals. The patient can understand the early symptoms of COPD and treat it to avoid an increase in the onset of the disease

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Symptoms of COPD

1. Shortness of Breath or Dyspnea - This is a persistent sensation of breathlessness that one can feel during any physical activity. This often leads to shortness of breath especially when at rest.
2. Chronic Cough - The second symptom of COPD is a chronic cough which has been observed in people. In this, one can experience the production of mucus that worsens as the disease progresses over time.
3. Wheezing - Wheezing is yet another high-pitched whistling sound that occurs during breathing. This makes it very difficult to breathe during exhaling.
4. Chest Tightness: People suffering from COPD often experience a feeling of tightness or heaviness in their chest. This eventually can lead to breathing issues and difficulties in adults.
5. Fatigue: COPD can also cause frequent feelings of fatigue or lack of energy. This is mainly because the body has to put more pressure and effort breathlessly.
6. Reduced Exercise Tolerance: People suffering from COPD often find physical activities very challenging due to heavy breathlessness and reduced lung function.

Treatment of COPD

• COPD can be easily managed by quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to tobacco or anything that can irritate the lung lining
• Stay away from air pollution, dust, chemicals, and fumes that can worsen symptoms of COPD
• Bronchodilators are easy medications help relax and widen the airways, making it easier to breathe. This can be either inhaled through an inhaler or can be taken orally
• Inhaled steroids are anti-inflammatory medications that help reduce airway inflammation and prevent exacerbations
• Yearly flu vaccinations and pneumococcal vaccines can help prevent respiratory infections that can worsen COPD symptoms
• Indulging in exercise training and breathing techniques helps to reduce symptoms to a great extent.

Complications of COPD

• People with COPD become more prone to respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia that severes the symptoms. This is mainly due to weak and damaged lungs that allow bacteria to penetrate and cause different kinds of infections. These infections can worsen COPD symptoms and lead to more difficulty in breathing
• COPD exacerbations are a sudden increase in coughing and wheezing along with shortness of breath. This can mainly occur due to respiratory infections, exposure to air pollutants, etc. However, these should be treated soon or they can be life-threatening
• COPD can lead to a condition called pulmonary hypertension, which means high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. The symptoms narrow the blood vessels in the lungs which in turn increases the load on the heart
• Having a damaged lung can have more serious complications like breathing difficulties, carbon dioxide build-up, and low oxygen levels in the blood