Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) refers to a group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related complications. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two most common conditions. Over 16 million Americans have been diagnosed with COPD, and millions more suffering from it are undiagnosed and being inadequately treated. Currently, there is no cure for COPD, but your symptoms can be managed.
Causes: Approximately 85 to 90% of all COPD cases are caused by cigarette smoking. The toxins in the smoke weaken the lungs' ability to fight infections, narrow air passages, and cause swelling in air tubes and destroy air sacs. Long-term exposure to air pollution, secondhand smoke and dust, and fumes and chemicals can also cause COPD. It can be inherited as well. A small subset of patients have a rare form of COPD called alpha-1 deficiency-related emphysema. This is caused by a genetic condition that hampers the body’s ability to produce the Alpha-1 protein, which plays a critical role in protecting the lungs.
Symptoms: Symptoms associated with COPD often include the following:
Frequent coughing or wheezing
Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
Trouble taking deep breaths
Frequent respiratory infections
Blueness of lips or fingernail beds (cyanosis)
Fatigue
Excessive phlegm or mucus production
Prevention: The best way to prevent COPD is to avoid smoking and limit your exposure to second-hand smoke as much as possible. You should also be aware of and try to avoid inhaling chemicals, dust, and fumes in your home or at work, and ensure proper safety precautions are taken. Finally, you can help fight for clean air to limit everyone’s exposure to harmful pollutants.
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