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We subscribe to the
HONcode principles. |
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 | Chronic
long term (or frequently recurring) |
| Obstructive
blockage to air flow |
| Pulmonary
refers to the lungs |
| Disease
illness,
condition |
Chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also known as chronic
obstructive lung disease (COLD), is an umbrella term used to describe
chronic lung diseases that are characterized
by progressive limitations of the airflow into and out of the lungs,
and increased shortness of breath as the disease progresses. COPD, an insidious disease
which is
often first diagnosed after some of the lung capacity is already lost, is usually not
fully reversible.
It is possible to have early stages of COPD without knowing it.
The predominant diseases that fall
under this "umbrella term" are:
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Emphysema |
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Chronic Bronchitis
Note: These two diseases are no longer used as a direct part of the
definition of COPD. |
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Other lesser known and less common
diseases occasionally included are:
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Bronchiectasis
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Refractory Asthma |
The common characteristics of COPD are:
| Shortness of breath
◙
breathlessness during normal activities
◙
decreased exercise tolerance
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| Wheezing
◙
changes in your breathing |
| Chronic Cough
◙
excessive phlegm (mucus) production
◙ morning "smokers cough" |
| Colds that last weeks instead of days
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| Recurring respiratory infections
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bouts of bronchitis every winter
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| Unable to keep up activities with people of your same age group
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Note: Many people who are at risk for COPD, easily mistake
their symptoms with excuses such as:
I'm just out of shape.
I keep catching these colds from the kids (or others).
I must have an allergy.
When I quit smoking, I'll be
fine.
Although smoking is the main cause of COPD, other
factors such as environmental
and industrial pollutants can also result in COPD in someone who has
never smoked.
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Smoking
- Considered the most common cause of COPD, it occurs most often in
people over 40 with a past or present history of smoking. Smoking
accounts for over 80% of all those diagnosed with COPD, and 90% of
COPD related deaths.
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Environmental -
Less than 20% of people diagnosed with COPD have never smoked. COPD
can also occur in people who have had long-term exposure to lung
irritants. Exposure to environmental and/or occupational elements such as certain
chemicals, dust, and fumes, as well as heavy or long-term exposure
to secondhand smoke or other air pollutants may also contribute to
COPD.
◙
occupational dusts and chemicals (vapors, irritants, fumes).
◙
Indoor air
pollutions from some fuels used for cooking and heating,
especially in
poorly vented dwellings.
◙
Outdoor air
pollution adds to the irritation of the lungs caused by the inhaled particles, although to
what degree is unknown.
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Genetic
- In some people, COPD is caused by a genetic condition known as
alpha-1 antitrypsin, or AAT deficiency. While very few people know
they have AAT deficiency, it is estimated that close to 100,000
Americans have it. People with AAT deficiency can get COPD even if
they have never smoked nor had long-term exposure to harmful
pollutants.
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Allergies and
Asthma - Allergens and asthma can cause
changes in the lungs and airways that may lead to the development of
COPD.
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Nutrition
- Poor nutrition can increase the risk for dysfunction within the
lungs. Nutrients should come from natural sources rather than
supplements.
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Periodontal
Disease - Recent studies have shown that
patients with periodontal disease are one and a half times more
likely to develop COPD than those without periodontal disease. It is
believed that the bacteria that causes periodontal disease can
travel from the mouth into the lungs, causing inflammation and infection.
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Low Birth Weight -
Poor nutrition during fetal development resulting in smaller
dysfunctional lungs has been linked to the development of COPD in
later years.
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Respiratory infections in early childhood also
are associated with reduced lung function and increased respiratory
problems in later years. These infections can then lead to COPD. |
The diagnosis
for COPD is easily made by measuring a person's
pulmonary function .The
basic "standard" for evaluating the severity of COPD is spirometry, also known as the Pulmonary Function Test (PFT).
An early diagnosis is important, as once the lung capacity is lost, it
cannot be regained.
Spirometry measures the amount of air a
person's lungs can move in and out and at what rate. Done in a
doctors office or in a hospital, it is not invasive nor painful.
It consists of blowing into a mouthpiece that is attached to a
recording device called a spirometer.
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