COPD, which stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a lung disease that causes a blockage or narrowing of the airways, the tubes in your lungs that air flows through. This results in a decrease in the flow of air, both in and out of your lungs. The disease has a slow, progressive course and is irreversible.
Statistics
COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in this country, claiming the lives of 120,000 Americans annually. It is anticipated that by 2020, the disease will move up in ranks, becoming the third leading cause of death worldwide. Men are more likely to have COPD than women, and the disease predominantly occurs in those over 40 years of age.
According to the American Lung Association, in 2002, 11.2 million adults in the United States were estimated to have COPD. However, approximately 24 million U.S. adults have evidence of impaired lung function, indicating that there is high probability of under-diagnosis.
Types
COPD is an umbrella term for a broad classification of lung disorders including:
The most significant risk factor for developing the disease is cigarette smoking. The American Lung Association estimates that 80% to 90% of people diagnosed are chronic smokers. Secondhand smoke is also a major cause, claiming 3,400 lung-related deaths annually. Research also shows a significant link between air pollution and work-related exposure, such as coal mine dust, silica, cotton and grain dust.
Hallmark symptoms of COPD include:
- Breathlessness with any type of activity
- Chronic cough
- Increase in sputum production
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Frequent chest infections
Additional signs and symptoms that may accompany the disease include swelling, weight gain and obesity, (an unfortunate side effect of medication therapy), a round barrel chest, hemoptysis, and cyanosis.
For more information about signs and symptoms of chronic lung disease, visit About.com's Symptom Checker, an interactive and informative tool to help you learn more about signs and symptoms of COPD or any other illness.
To make a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a complete assessment must be taken including family history, environmental and occupational exposure and smoking history. Additional tests may include:
- Blood tests (including arterial blood gases, hemoglobin and hematocrit levels)
- Chest x-ray
- Pulmonary Function Tests
- Bronchoscopy
- Pulse Oximetry
The best treatment for the disease if you are a smoker is to quit as soon as possible. Other options include:
- Medications (bronchodilators, expectorants, antibiotics and corticosteroids)
- Oxygen therapy
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
- Flu shots (Learn more about which vaccines are recommended for adults).
It must be emphasized that once you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the damage is done, and is unfortunately, irreversible. It is important, however, to take whatever steps you can to prevent the damage from worsening.
If you don't already have the disease, the following steps can help you prevent it from occurring:
- If you smoke, you should quit ASAP!
- If you live with someone who smokes, make sure they do not smoke around you. Additionally, no one should ever smoke when a child is present. Learn more about the dangers of secondhand smoke.
- If you work around hazardous chemicals, dust or other types of occupational hazards that may irritate your lungs, be sure to wear protective equipment including a mask and gloves.
- If you are at risk for developing the disease as determined by your doctor, get a yearly flu shot.
- Learn how to improve the air quality in your home.
- Obtain a spirometry test to improve your chances of early detection.
If you are still having trouble understanding the types and causes of this disease and how they affect your lungs differently, watch this informative COPD video.
And, if you are looking for more information on COPD, compare prices on COPD for Dummies by visiting Pricegrabber.com.
Sources:
Bare, Brenda G. & Smeltzer, Suzanne C. (1996}. Brunner and Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing(8th Edition). Philidelphia, PA: Lippincott-Raven Publishers.
Taylor, Jill. "Underdiagnosis of COPD Observed in General Practice." Medscape Medical News, 2004.
COPD Fact Sheet. (2007). American Lung Association. http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=252866.
