2023-11-30 19:35:08
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary DiseaseCOPD) is a term that encompasses a group of progressive lung conditions, such as chronic bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema. Symptoms of COPD include difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and frequent coughing.
Causes of COPD
The main cause of COPD is smoking, with a significantly higher prevalence in individuals who have been regular smokers compared to non-smokers. Other risk factors are exposure to air pollution and exposure to dust and chemicals.
This is how it is diagnosed
Your doctor will diagnose you with COPD based on your symptoms, medical history, physical examination and a breathing test, known as spirometry. During this test, the doctor will ask you to blow through a tube and the test will record the different air volume and pressure measurements as you breathe out.
Some doctors may also recommend that you have an X-ray or CT scan to more accurately analyze your lungs. In some cases, a blood test can be used to assess the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.
COPD treatment
Currently, there is no cure for COPD, there are treatments available to relieve symptoms and slow down its development in the long term. Among the recommended treatments are:
Give up smoking. Medication: Inhalers, steroids, and antibiotics can be used to help you manage symptoms and reduce the frequency and severity of flares. Pulmonary rehabilitation: it will also help you to have a program that combines exercise and training about the disease to better manage COPD.
Changes in diet: Diet changes can help some people with COPD feel better. Non-invasive ventilation: The addition of non-invasive ventilatory support to conventional therapy can reduce shortness of breath and improve respiratory rate and blood gas exchange. It can also improve the quality of life.
Oxygen therapy: For patients with inadequate blood saturation levels, it can be very beneficial.
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