What is COPD?

 

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis, refractory (non-reversible) asthma, and some forms of bronchiectasis.
COPD patients often have difficulty breathing because of the thickening and inflammation of the narrow airway and the loss of elasticity of the lung capsule.
Common COPD symptoms include:

· Short breath

· Breath

· Frequent cough

· Multiple sputum

· Chest tightness

COPD can't be completely cured right now, but early diagnosis and lifestyle changes can improve a lot
COPD condition. Although millions of people have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), there are still many patients who do not pay attention to it and do not know COPD they have.

COPD pathogenic factors

 

Common COPD pathogenic factors:

· Smoking

· Second-hand smoke

· Long-term exposure to stimuli such as air pollution, chemical smoke or dust

· Genetic factors

Source: COPD Foundation and Mayo Clinic 

Other common respiratory diseases

 

Besides COPD,, there are many other common respiratory diseases, as follows:

Alpha 1 insulin deficiency:
The genetic disease affects the body's production of alpha 1 insulin, which protects the lungs. This condition can damage lung airbags and liver cells and may eventually lead to emphysema and cirrhosis.

Bronchiectasis:
This is an irreversible condition of lung damage, enlarged and relaxed airway, and destruction of bronchial wall muscles and elastic tissue

Chronic bronchitis:
Inflammation of a pipe or airway that passes through the lungs.

Cystic fibrosis:
This genetic disease produces a large amount of mucus, which may lead to obstruction, which greatly affects the function of the lungs and other organs.

Emphysema:
Airbags or alveoli in the lungs are damaged or enlarged, resulting in dyspnea.

Occupational lung diseases:
The disease has scarred lung tissue, long-term inhalation of harmful dust and smoke, such as long-term exposure to silica, asbestos, coal dust at work.

Pulmonary fibrosis:
This is a lung respiratory disease, lung tissue over time has become scarred, lung tissue thickened, stiff. The cause may be due to problems with the autoimmune system in patients with drugs, exposure to pollutants, or underlying diseases.

Sleep apnea:
This is a condition in which breathing is affected during sleep – reducing airflow, intermittently reducing blood oxygen levels and affecting sleep quality. Individuals with sleep apnea are often unaware of their multiple breathing difficulties at night.

Source: National Heart,Lung,and Blood Institute and Johns Hopkins Medicine