Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a condition that affects the lungs. There are two types, both of which limit the patient\’s ability to breathe normally. The first type, called emphysema, is characterized by damage to the alveoli, the final branches of the respiratory tree and the site at which gas exchange occurs. The damage prevents the patient\’s body from receiving sufficient oxygen. The second type of COPD is chronic bronchitis. This is a condition where the air passages, known as the bronchial tubes, become inflamed. It too reduces the amount of oxygen delivered to the body.

Millions of people currently suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It has become one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. Below, we\’ll describe the risk factors that are believed to contribute to the disorder. We\’ll also cover common symptoms, tests used to diagnose the disease, and treatments that can help to manage it.

Known Risk Factors Of COPD

The most significant contributing factor to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is smoking. Those who have smoked in the past, or currently do so, are more likely to develop the condition. Additionally, a genetic predisposition can make the disease more likely if the patient smokes.

People who are exposed to a high volume of secondhand smoke, dust, and certain fumes and chemicals may also develop COPD. In rare cases, a deficiency of a serum trypsin inhibitor known as alpha 1-antitrypsin (A1AT) can set the stage for emphysema.

Signs Of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The condition may or may not present symptoms. In addition, those who display symptoms may not have COPD, since they can be caused by other pulmonary disorders. Having said that, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may develop a persistent cough that produces a high volume of mucus (though mucus is not always present). He or she may also become more susceptible to lung infections.

COPD worsens with time. As a person ages, he or she may experience shortness of breath following physical activity. The level of activity needed to prompt this symptom is likely to decline over time. The patient may feel as if his or her chest is tightening. Also, fatigue often becomes increasingly prevalent with age.

In some cases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease causes other disorders. For example, the patient may suffer recurrent pneumonia, develop an arrhythmia, or lose substantial weight. If the amount of oxygen delivered to the body becomes severely limited, oxygen therapy may be necessary.

How The Condition Is Diagnosed

A diagnosis is made based on a physical examination of the patient, a review of his or her medical history, and results from one or more pulmonary tests. One of the main tests conducted for COPD is called spirometry. It is noninvasive. The patient is asked to blow into a tube-like device that is attached to a spirometer. The spirometer measures the amount of air exhaled from the lungs, which helps the doctor to determine the patient\’s lung capacity.

Physicians may also order x-rays, along with computed tomography (CT) scans, of the chest. The images can help to pinpoint abnormalities that are contributing to COPD.

Treatments To Relieve Symptoms Of COPD

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. There are, however, several ways in which patients can gain relief from their symptoms. For example, a bronchodilator – similar to the type prescribed for asthma – can be used to help dilate the bronchial tubes, thus encouraging more air flow to the lungs. Also, during flare-ups of chronic bronchitis, certain steroids can be inhaled to lessen inflammation in the air passages.

Severe cases of COPD may require oxygen therapy (mentioned earlier) and even surgery. An example of the latter is a procedure called bullectomy. The surgeon removes large air sacs that have formed as a result of the damage caused by emphysema. If the condition progresses to the point that it becomes life-threatening, the patient may become a candidate for a lung transplant.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a serious, incurable disorder that can be fatal. But symptoms can be managed with ongoing treatment.

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