siliconindia | | DECEMBER 201919Risk Factors· The major factor for COPD is smoking. Maximum number ofpeople who have COPD smoke or used to smoke. · People with family history of COPD are ex-pected to develop the disease if they smoke.· Long-term exposure to lung irritants is al-soa major risk factor contributing to the development of COPD. Screening and PreventionOne can take steps to prevent COPD before it starts. Prevent COPD Before It Starts· The best way to prevent COPD is to quit smoking com-pletely. Smoking is the keyfactor that causes COPD. · In case you have trouble quitting smoking by yourself, consider joining a support group.· Also, try to avoid lung irritants that can contribute to COPD, such as air pollution, chemical fumes, dusts, and second-hand smoke, which is smoke in the air from other people smoking.Prevent Complications and Slow the Progression· The most important step to prevent COPD is to quit smoking. Quitting can help avoid complications and slow the development of the disease. Also try to avoid expo-sure to the lung irritants.· Follow the treatments for COPD as prescribed by the doctor. It can help you to breathe easily, stay more active, and avoid or manage severe symptoms.· Talk with your doctor about the flu, or influenza, and pneumonia vaccines. These vaccines lower the chances of getting these illnesses, which are major health risks for people who have COPD.SymptomsInitially, COPD may cause no symptoms or only minorindications. As the ailment gets worse, signs usually become more se-vere. Some common signs and symptoms of COPD are:· An ongoing cough or a cough that pro-duces a lot of mucus; this is often called smoker's cough.· Shortness of breath during physical activity· Panting or a whistling or squeaky sound while breathing· Chest tightness· Colds or other respiratory infections such as the flu, or influenza occurring frequentlyNot everyone who has the above symptoms has COPD. Similarly, not everyone who has COPD has these signs. Some of the symptoms of COPD can be similar to the symptoms of other diseases and conditions. ComplicationsThe severity of the symptoms will depend on how much lung damage one have. If the patient keep smoking, the damage will occur faster than if you stop smoking.Severe COPD can lead to other symptoms, such as swelling of ankles, feet, or legs; weight loss; and lower muscle endurance.In some cases severe symptoms may require treatment in a hospital. · If the patient is having a hard time catching your breath or talking.· If the lips or fingernails turn blue or gray, a sign of low oxygen level in your blood.· If you are not mentally alert.· If the heartbeat is very fast.TreatmentCOPD has no cure yet. However, lifestyle changes and treatments can help you feel better, stay more active, and slow the progress of the disease.The goals of COPD treatment include:· Relieving your symptoms· Slowing the progress of the disease· Improving your exercise tolerance or your ability to stay active· Preventing and treating complications· Improving your overall health Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality across the globeRajesh Chawla, Senior Consultant- Respiratory medicine
< Page 9 | Page 11 >