2023-11-16 16:30:09
In Mexico, 10 percent of the population suffers from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which is caused, fundamentally, by smoking, as reported by the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases (INER).
This condition is predictable and treatable, as long as it is detected, in a timely manner, at the first level of medical care, through a study called spirometry.
It is recommended to those who are exposed to risk factor’ssuch as exposure to wood smoke and smoking, that they attend the doctor’s office and undergo the corresponding studies to diagnose COPD.
Main symptoms of COPD
Symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease do not usually appear until significant lung damage occurs and usually worsen over time, especially if exposure to tobacco continues. Among the main signs and symptoms are:
Wheezing Tightness in the chest Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity Chronic cough that can produce mucus Lack of energy Frequent respiratory infections Unintentional weight loss Swelling in the ankles, feet or legs
When to see the doctor
If you notice that your COPD symptoms are not improving with treatment or are getting worse, you should talk to your doctor. Also if you notice symptoms of an infection, such as a change in sputum or the appearance of fever, for example.
In case you couldn’t catch your breath, experiments intense blue coloring on the lips or in the nail beds (cyanosis), or a rapid heartbeat and even if you have trouble concentrating or feel confused, you should also consult your doctor immediately.
What is clear is that smoking is one of the clear causes of COPD, so some of the measures you can take to prevent its appearance are: quit smoking (it is the most important) and get the flu vaccine every year. and get the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine regularly.
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