COPD & CHRONIC LUNG DISORDERS

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is common term used to describe progressive lung diseases and includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis and some forms of bronchiectasis.

This disease is characterized by increasing breathlessness, wheezing, coughing and mucus production. Many people mistake their increased breathlessness and coughing as a normal part of aging. In the early stages of the disease, the symptoms may be mild. COPD can develop for years without noticeable shortness of breath.

Most cases of COPD are caused by inhaling pollutants; that includes smoking (cigarettes, bidis etc.), and second-hand smoke. Fumes, chemicals and dust found in many work environments are contributing factors for many individuals who develop COPD. In India cooking on Chullahs has been found to be a very common cause of COPD in females. Genetics can also play a role in an individual’s development of COPD, even if the person has never smoked or has ever been exposed to strong lung irritants in the workplace. Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency is one such established cause.

The diagnosis involves clinical history, clinical evaluation and spirometry testing. Some other investigations like blood tests, chest Xray, Echo of heart may sometimes be required A diagnosis of COPD is not the end of the world. For all stages of disease, effective therapy is available which can control symptoms, reduce your risk of complications and exacerbations, and improve your ability to lead an active life.

The most essential step in any treatment plan for COPD is to stop all smoking. It’s the only way to keep COPD from getting worse, which can eventually reduce your ability to breathe. But quitting smoking isn’t easy. And this task may seem particularly daunting if you’ve tried to quit and have been unsuccessful. Our experts can help out with this. Many types of medications are used to treat COPD mainly inhaled therapies and sometimes some oral drugs. Our experts shall guide you how to manage your COPD and also the exacerbations if and when they happen. For patients with advanced COPD domiciliary Oxygen therapy, Bipap Therapy and comprehensive Pulmonary Rehabilitation therapy is also advised and arranged.