Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the term for chronic bronchitis, emphysema and related conditions, which may co-exist. Chronic bronchitis is chronic inflammation of the major airways (bronchi). Emphysema involves damage to the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs. They both cause lung inflammation and obstruction and narrowing of the airways, resulting in difficulty breathing in and out.

Causes and Epidemiology of COPD

COPD is usually caused by damage to the lungs due to smoking, with the risk increasing depending on how long someone has been a smoker. Lungs become inflamed and the walls of airways become thicker, with more mucus being produced which causes further narrowing. The lungs and airways become hardened. Air pollution can also contribute towards the development of COPD.

COPD is a common respiratory illness, with an estimated three million people in the UK with the condition. It mostly affects older people, with most patients diagnosed at about 67 years. It is rare in people under the age of 35. More men than women develop COPD, but the incidence amongst women is increasing.

Symptoms of COPD

The primary symptoms are coughing, difficulty breathing in and out, and production of phlegm. A susceptibility to chest infections is also likely to develop. Coughing may be sporadic at first and then become chronic. It is accompanied by the production of phlegm, due to the airways producing more mucus. Difficulty breathing in and out and wheezing may also develop gradually, at first only occurring upon exertion.

Diagnosis and Classification of COPD

COPD is classified in four categories, mild to very severe. Classification is based upon two lung function tests, forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). FCV measures how much air the lungs can hold and FEV1 the speed at which air can be blown out.

Stages of COPD

Stage 1 – Mild COPD

At this stage there may be no symptoms or only sporadic coughing and breathlessness. FEV1 is at least 80% of normal values and FEV1 divided by FVC less than 70%.

Stage 2 – Moderate COPD

Coughing, phlegm production and breathlessness become more noticeable at this stage. FEV1 is between 50% and 79% of normal values and FEV1 divided by FVC less than 70%.

Stage 3 – Severe COPD

At this stage difficulty breathing in and out becomes more severe, and other symptoms such as tiredness may manifest. Chest infections caused by bacteria or viruses may frequently exacerbate coughing, phlegm production and breathlessness. FEV1 is between 30% and 49% of normal values and FEV1 divided by FVC less than 70%.

Stage 4 – Very Severe COPD

At this stage, any exacerbations can be life threatening. Airflow will be severely impaired and symptoms chronic. Chronic respiratory failure and cardiac complications may be present. FEV1 is less than 30% of normal values and FEV1/FVC less than 70%.

Treatment of COPD

It is important to get help early to prevent the onset of severe COPD. Treatment of COPD revolves around making lifestyle changes and symptom relief. Stopping smoking is vital. Inhalers are used to help with breathing. Drugs such as steroids, antibiotics and mucus thinning drugs may also sometimes be prescribed.

Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Health Oxygen – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Health Oxygen – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (http://www.healthoxygen.com/blog/oxygen-therapy-for-copd/)

Author Bio: Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Health Oxygen – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: COPD, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease