About COPD
COPD or Chronic obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a term used for a group of lung diseases that blocks the airflow resulting in breathlessness. The leading cause of COPD is smoking and exposure to wood fire smoke. The symptoms include shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, wheezing, fatigue, excess mucus in the lungs, swollen legs, and blue tint in the fingernails or the lips. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are the standard conditions of COPD. Chronic bronchitis is when the lungs produce mucus, and bronchial tubes become inflamed and constricted. Emphysema is a condition that affects alveoli, leading to collapsed airways and damaged lungs.
About Symptoms
1. Shortness of breath, especially during physical activities.
2. Wheezing(Whistle Sound while breathing).
3. Chest tightness.
4. Having to clear your throat first thing in the morning, due to excess mucus in your lungs.
5. A chronic cough that may produce mucus (sputum) that may be clear, white, yellow or greenish
6. Blueness of the lips or fingernail beds (cyanosis)
7. Swelling in ankles, feet or legs
8. Frequent respiratory infections
9. Unintended weight loss (in later stages)
10. Lack of energy
About Treatment
Medicines like bronchodilators and corticosteroids are recommended to treat COPD. Infection can be cured using antibiotics. Though oxygen therapy and surgery to remove lung tissue are recommended in severe cases. The disease could be prevented by avoiding smoking and exposure to pollution and smoke. Also, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is recommended to strengthen the lungs.
