COPD is the abbreviation used for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It is also known in different names. For example, chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD), chronic obstructive airway disease (COAD), chronic airflow limitation (CAL) and chronic obstructive respiratory disease (CORD). It is a progressive disease which means it gets worse over time. It causes lungs problems and almost destructs them completely. This is one of the major causes of death in almost all the global nations. In USA, it is the fourth highest death cause disease. It is deadly and almost over than 82,000 people die every year due to this. Generally, the COPD life expectancy is very less and also it causes a large number of severe health problems in people. But, on the other hand, if it is detected early due to their early symptoms and also get it treated in its early stages, then the life expectancy can be greatly increased. If not, the sufferer's life will be greatly limited.
The
most common symptom of COPD is breathing difficulty. It can be a huge
disability that gets worse as this disease progresses. There are many
techniques and exercises that help to decrease. Two of the most well
known techniques are pursed lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing.
If you ever feel short of breath and you feel like you are suffocating,
it helps to remember these quick and easy breathing tips. Sit and relax
in a quiet and comfortable place, breathe in and out through your mouth
going as fast as you need to, lower your head and shoulders and begin to
slow down your exhalations. Repeat this a few times and you will feel a
great deal of comfort as these exercises have been proven to help with
breathlessness.
Smoking is one of the most biggest causes of COPD.
Each year, three million people are dying as the result of smoking
related diseases. Exposure to lung irritants such as dust, smoke, air
pollution and other chemicals can also be causes for COPD. Quitting
smoking can help but as there is no current cure to COPD, getting rid of
cigarettes doesn't help much. It only reduces the risk factor by a
little but of course, every little action counts towards the defeat of
this chronic disease.
The Pathophysiology of COPD is not very easy
to understand. Pathophysiology of COPD shows the structural changes in
the airways, dysfunction of Cilia and inflammatory responses. It is
these three things that lead to the blockage of airways. The
inflammatory response of COPD is usually caused by too much smoking. It
can also be caused by the inhalation of lung irritants such as pollens,
air pollutants, smoke, dust and other chemicals.
Inhalers can be
used to treat chronic diseases such as the first symptom of COPD- the
chronic cough. The work that the inhalers do is that they push the
medicine or drugs directly into the airways when you breathe in. Some
people may get some benefits from using these inhalers but some might
not. Some people use inhalers regularly and that might help to reduce
shortness of breath and some just use it when they are experiencing
troubles of wheezing and breathlessness.
Many people die from COPD
every year. as there is no current cure for this disease, it is
important that it is diagnosed in it's early stages. If you ever notice a
sign or symptom that might mean you or someone you know could have
COPD, it is important to contact a doctor of health care provider
immediately. If this disease is discovered too late, the results can be
deadly.
By
Tomy Jose
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