WHAT IS COPD?
COPD is an irreversible serious lung condition.
It is called Congestive Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, caused by two different lung diseases.
1./ Chronic bronchitis: is an inflammation of the airways. It develops slowly over the years. After a while, the bronchial
tubes become scarred and thickened. A thick mucous is produced. This makes it harder to get air into the lungs.
2./ Emphysema: the walls of the alveoli no longer stretch easily. As they become more brittle, the walls of the alveoli
break down and the alveoli become enlarged. The enlarged alveoli trap the air, making it more difficult to breathe out.
Most COPD patients have both emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Many people with COPD avoid activities, that they used to enjoy, because the become short of breath more easily.
When the disease is severe, shortness of breath and other symptoms can get in the way of doing even the most basic
tasks, such as doing light housework, taking a walk and even bathing and getting dressed.
COPD develops slowly, usually after 40-50 years, and can worsen over time, so to be sure to report any symptoms you
have to your doctor as soon as possible, no matter how mild they seem.
Most people who are at risk of getting COPD have never even heard of it and, in many cases don’t even realize that
the condition has a name.
Things that can put you at risk for COPD include:
a./Smoking, although as many as 1 out of 6 people with COPD never smoked! Smoking is the most common cause of
COPD, it accounts for as many as 9
out of 10 deaths.
b./Environmental Exposure. Heavy and long term exposure to lung irritants, chemicals, dust or fumes or other
pollutants may contribute to COPD
c./Genetic Factors. In some people, COPD is caused by a genetic condition
known as alpha-1 antitrypsin, or AAT deficiency. It is estimated, that about 100.000 Americans have it. People with
AAT deficiency can get COPD even if they never smoked or had long term exposures to harmful pollutants.
What are the symptoms?
- Constant coughing, sometimes called “smoker’s cough”
- Shortness of breath while doing activities you use to be able to do.
- Excess sputum production
- Feeling like you can’t breath
- Not being able to take a deep breath
- Wheezing
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