Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD medical term, is a serious lung disease that causes serious and permanent damage to lung tissues. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema lead to COPD, where the bronchi in the lungs are inflamed, and the air sacs are damaged. Consumption of cigarettes and other irritable gases can hamper the internal structure of the pulmonary section. COPD can also give rise to diseases affecting the heart and its vessels, lung cancer, etc. However, following precautionary measures and treatment using proper medications can save individuals and promise a healthy lifespan. Treatment of COPD reduces the risk of lung diseases as well as other serious pulmonary conditions. COPD medications should always be consumed after consultation with healthcare professionals.
Causes of COPD
Pollution rates are advancing rapidly, and we all are at risk of being affected by respiratory and pulmonary infections. In this scenario, we must take care of our lifestyle and avoid smoking tobacco. Wearing anti-pollution masks and avoiding smoking or staying away from smokers can help to get COPD. Two chief respiratory conditions which are caused due to negligence are:
1. Chronic bronchitis, in which the inner lining of the lung tissues gets inflamed and results in the inefficient working of the alveoli. The formation of mucus and cough are common symptoms of chronic bronchitis.
2. Emphysema is another cause of COPD where the alveoli at the end of bronchioles are damaged extensively. Particulate matters in air, various harmful gases, and tobacco from cigarettes worsen the emphysema condition.
3. Burning fossil fuels and inhaling that air also affects the condition of the inner layers of the lungs. Fumes and a heated environment are most common in such places.
4. Working in any chemical manufacturing plant without proper protection can also lead to inhaling harmful gases, fumes, dust, and other substances, which eventually results in damage to bronchioles.
5. Pipe smoking and being passive smokers also offer entry passage to irritants in the respiratory tract.
6. Genetic susceptibility also offers a minimal chance where the individual suffers from signs of COPD. The deficiency of Alpha-1-antitrypsin in heredity is the cause of such disease development.
7. Asthma is a well-known respiratory disease, which also offers the risk of emerging COPD.
Symptoms of COPD
COPD gets diagnosed after making significant lung damage, and it worsens at a rapid pace. The lifestyle of individuals is the prime cause of the occurrence of this disorder, and many of them suffer from the initial stage of COPD without noticing the same. Therefore, individuals should be aware of the following symptoms to be able to get proper treatment for COPD:
1. Feeling of tightness in the chest
2. Shortness of breath
3. Lack of energy
4. Infections in the respiratory tract
5. Wheezing
Individuals shouldn’t ignore these, as these are the initial symptoms. Moreover, advanced symptoms led to exacerbation episodes and frequent swellings. Excessive smoking exposure can worsen the conditions of COPD.
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Treatment of COPD
Proper new treatment of COPD starts after going through some medical tests like pulmonary function tests, chest X-rays, CT scans, arterial blood gas analysis, and other laboratory tests. Results of these offer a clear scenario of the condition of the disease, based on which doctors decide on the treatment procedure. COPD cure demands time and efficiency in following precautionary guidelines. Some of the treatment of COPD are:
1. Regular intake of medications as advised by the doctor. Medication includes inhaled steroids, inhalers, inhibitors, antibiotics, etc.
2. Lung therapies also offer relief to the patient. It generally includes oxygen therapy, where the needed amount of oxygen supply is ensured in the blood.
3. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs include exercises, intake of proper nutrients, counseling, etc., to reduce the worsening of COPD.
4. Non-invasive ventilation therapy machines offer a mask that controls the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood. It stands as an alternative to respiratory failure and hypercapnia.
5. Managing episodes of exacerbations where inflammations trigger, leading to the need for prompt medical support.
6. Surgeries depend on the critical state of the disease; where based on the situation, lung transplant, bullectomy, and lung volume reduction surgery can be performed by experts.
COPD Treatment Medications
Depending on the severity of the damage to the lungs, doctors suggest COPD medications. Therefore, proper evaluations and regular following of medication are a must to prevent further deterioration. Some of the COPD treatment medications are:
1. Bronchodilators are used to open the airways and thus offering better breathing passage. This acts as an instant relief and can be taken using a nebulizer or inhaler.
2. Corticosteroids help to reduce the inflammation of the lung tissues and the internal passage. Individuals suffering from COPD for a long time generally consume these options. It can be inhaled, injected, or taken through the mouth based on the dosage and the doctor’s advice.
3. Methyl-xanthines help to control severe COPD situations by relaxing the tissues and the muscles and subsiding inflammations. There are side effects of the abode; therefore, this is avoided for a controlled state of COPD.
4. Combined Medications are drugs used to treat COPD along with other respiratory diseases. Depending upon the evaluation, the doctor designs a combination of drugs to offer relief to the patient.
5. Roflumilast also is an anti-inflammatory drug and helps to enhance air passage. Mostly consumed with a long-acting bronchodilator drug.
6. Muco-active drugs help to clean up the increased state of mucus formation in the lungs.
7. Pneumococcal vaccines can be taken annually to reduce the chance of COPD.
Precautions of COPD
There are certain precautionary measures that reduce the quick progression of the COPD medical term. Some of the best chances of dropping lung damage are as enumerated:
1. Quit smoking or enroll in a tobacco cessation program to help control the urge to smoke.
2. Getting a dose of annual flu vaccination or pneumococcal vaccine helps prevent infection in the respiratory tract
Consult healthcare specialists in case of an existing cough or mucus at the right time.
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