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COPD: symptoms, causes and treatment

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on

The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , also known as COPD affects the respiratory system causing the flow of air into the lungs is limited response of the body to harmful effects such as snuff and other gases. This disease is more prone to occur in male smokers or ex-smokers over 40 years of age and the symptoms usually appear slowly and are confused with other conditions. At FastlyHealwe explain the symptoms, causes and treatment of COPD .

COPD symptoms

The most common symptom is a cough , but depending on the type of COPD that is suffered there will be some complications in the symptoms:

  • The cough can be with or without phlegm
  • Respiratory infections
  • Dyspnea or shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty breathing in
  • Sounds during breathing

There are two ways in which chronic pulmonary obstruction can appear, such as chronic bronchitis where the cough with phlegm is prolonged and emphysema which affects lung damage over time. People with COPD often have a combination of both.

Generally, these symptoms are also part of diseases such as asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, heart failure, cystic fibrosis or tuberculosis , for this it is necessary that you consult your doctor so that he can make the proper diagnosis.

Causes of COPD

The cause of COPD is smoking, in 90% of cases or indirect exposure to tobacco smoke, however there are also other risk factors associated with suffering from this disease. Exposure to gases or exaggerated amounts of pollution, the use of fire when cooking, without adequate ventilation or having a history of lung disease. The risk of developing obstructive pulmonary disease increases if you have been a long-time smoker and has a lower incidence if you smoke rolling tobacco instead of cigarettes.

To diagnose COPD , spirometry is performed , which will determine our lung capacity, the test consists of blowing into a machine with as much force as possible. X-rays can also be helpful, but even in a patient with COPD, the images may appear normal.

Treatment for COPD

There is no cure for COPD , but proper treatment will control symptoms and prevent the disease from progressing. Medications such as inhalers or bronchodilators will be used, which will open the airways, steroids and anti-inflammatories that will help reduce their swelling.

In the event that symptoms become severe or become more severe, it will be necessary to administer bronchodilators through a nebulizer, as well as intravenous steroids. There is a surgical option such as a transplant or the removal of the part of the lung that is affected, but it will never be the first option for treating COPD .

COPD is a chronic disease, therefore you must take preventive measures to avoid possible complications and protect your lungs:

  • Walk to build strength, the doctor will tell you how far you can do and how to breathe while exercising.
  • Reduce pollution in spaces, ensuring that no one smokes at home.
  • Avoid cold air.
  • Eat healthy foods.
  • Get vaccinated annually against the flu and pneumococcus.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to COPD: symptoms, causes and treatment , we recommend that you enter our Lung and respiratory tract category .

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