Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Overview

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic disorder of the lungs which leads to obstruction of air flow through the airways. It is a progressive and irreversible disease, but can be managed with proper treatment.

Signs and Symptoms

Shortness of breath with exertion, Chest tightness, Chronic morning cough with sputum, Difficulty clearing the chest, Recurrent chest infections, Wheezing, Cyanosis (bluish lips and nail beds), Weakness, Fatigue, Weight loss, Swelling in feet and ankles

Common Causes

Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke cause an increase in mucus production and irritation of the lungs, Air pollution, Exposure to dust and industrial fumes can irritate the lungs, Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency

Risk Factors

Increasing age especially after the age of 40, Exposure to tobacco smoke, Smokers with asthma, Workplace exposure to chemicals and dusts, Exposure to fumes from heating in poorly ventilated homes or burning fuel for cooking, Genetic disorder such as alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency

Investigation Techniques

Medical history, Physical examination, Lung function tests show the severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Chest x-ray to diagnose chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and rule out other lung problems and medical conditions, Computerised tomography (CT) scan of the lungs, Arterial blood gas analysis

Treatment and Prevention

Smoking cessation, Medications such as short-acting or long-acting bronchodilators, inhaled or oral corticosteroids, combination inhalers, theophylline, phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors and antibiotics, Oxygen therapy, Pulmonary rehabilitation programme, Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination, Bullectomy, Lung volume reduction surgery, Lung transplant