What is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and how is it treated?

 Causes of airway obstruction

Emphysema. This lung disease causes the destruction of the fragile walls and elastic fibers of the alveoli. Small airways collapse when you exhale, impairing airflow out of your lungs.

Chronic bronchitis. In this condition, your bronchial tubes become inflamed and narrowed and your lungs produce more mucus, which can further block the narrowed tubes. You develop a chronic cough trying to clear your airways.

Risk factors for COPD include:

• Exposure to tobacco smoke. The most significant risk factor for COPD is long-term cigarette smoking. The more years you smoke and the more packs you smoke, the greater your risk. Pipe smokers, cigar smokers, and marijuana smokers also may be at risk, as well as people exposed to large amounts of secondhand smoke.

• People with asthma who smoke. The combination of asthma, a chronic inflammatory airway disease, and smoking increases the risk of COPD even more.

• Occupational exposure to dust and chemicals. Long-term exposure to chemical fumes, vapors, and dust in the workplace can irritate and inflame your lungs.

• Exposure to fumes from burning fuel. In the developing world, people exposed to fumes from burning fuel for cooking and heating in poorly ventilated homes are at higher risk of developing COPD.

• Age. COPD develops slowly over the years, so most people are at least 40 years old when symptoms begin.

• Genetics. The uncommon genetic disorder alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency is the cause of some cases of COPD. Other genetic factors likely make certain smokers more susceptible to the disease.

COPD can cause many complications, including:

• Respiratory infections. People with COPD are more likely to catch colds, the flu, and pneumonia. Any respiratory infection can make it much more difficult to breathe and could cause further damage to lung tissue. Annual flu vaccination and regular vaccination against pneumococcal pneumonia can prevent some infections.

• Heart problems. For reasons that aren't fully understood, COPD can increase your risk of heart disease, including heart attack. Quitting smoking may reduce this risk.

• Lung cancer. People with COPD have a higher risk of developing lung cancer. Quitting smoking may reduce this risk.

• High blood pressure in lung arteries. COPD may cause high blood pressure in the arteries that bring blood to your lungs (pulmonary hypertension).

• Depression. Difficulty breathing can keep you from doing the activities that you enjoy. And dealing with a serious illness can contribute to the development of depression. Talk to your doctor if you feel sad or helpless or think that you may be experiencing depression.

Treatment

• Smoking cessation

• Medications: Bronchodilators, ( short and long-acting) which usually come in an inhaler — relax the muscles around your airways. This can help relieve coughing and shortness of breath and make breathing easier.

• Inhaled steroids or Combination inhalers

• Some medications combine bronchodilators and inhaled steroids.

• Oral steroids

• Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors

• Theophylline

• Antibiotics

• Lung therapies: Oxygen therapy. ; Pulmonary rehabilitation program.

• Managing exacerbations: Exacerbations may be caused by a respiratory infection, air pollution, or other triggers of inflammation.

• Surgery: Lung volume reduction surgery; Lung transplant; Bullectomy.

Who are suffering from a chronic pulmonary disease, COPD or asthma try Dr.odin Odin Piston Nebulizer. It is a portable nebulizer helps to reduce symptoms and Enables you to breathe quickly. Get it on the trusted site like Cureka.

Please consult your physician before taking any medicine or decision regarding treatment through best online doctor consultation in india called Ask Second Opinion app.