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​Introduction to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic Lung Disease is also known as Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or Chronic Obstructive Airway Disease. It is a progressive disease that affects breathing, and the problem will worsen over time.

Unlike asthma, this condition is irreversible and usually worsens over time.

What Causes It

More often than not, smoking is the culprit; as it damages the lining of your airways. Air pollution can also cause such damage. This inflames the lungs.


How Is It Diagnosed

Some common ways to diagnose the disease include:

Pulmonary (Lung) Function Testing

This can detect the disease in its early stages, when symptoms may not be shown yet. A patient is asked to breathe into a machine and the results can show how the condition has progressed. It can also tell you if the treatment is working.

Chest X-ray

This can rule out other conditions that resemble chronic lung disease. It can also help you find out the effects of lung disease you have.



How It Is Treated

There is no cure, but here are some steps to improve your condition:

  1. Quit smoking

  2. Take Medication: Medicine that relaxes the muscles of your airways can help make it easier for you to breathe. Corticosteroids help reduce inflammation in your airways and can cut down the amount of mucus produced. Your doctor may also ask you to take antibiotics to treat infections.

  3. Be Vaccinated: Your doctor may ask you to vaccinate yourself from flu and infections that cause pneumonia.

  4. Oxygen therapy: This is suitable for people with severe COPD, to reduce the symptoms and help you live longer.

  5. Pulmonary rehabilitation: A programme of education, exercise, support and training in breathing techniques to boost your quality of life.

  6. Nutrition: A well-balanced diet is important to keeping your symptoms from getting worse. If it is difficult to chew and swallow, take smaller and more frequent meals.

  7. Surgery: This is an option for a small number of people with the disease, who may get better if part of their lung is removed or if they get a lung transplant.

How To Prevent It

Quit smoking or avoid being exposed to irritants that can hurt your lungs.

USEFUL RESOURCES

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