A chronic and progressive lung disorder characterized by the loss of elasticity of the bronchial tree and the air sacs, destruction of the air sacs wall, thickening of the bronchial wall, and mucous accumulation in the bronchial tree. The pathologic changes result in the disruption of the air flow in the bronchial airways. Signs and symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, productive cough, and chest tightness. The two main types of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are chronic obstructive bronchitis and emphysema.
Symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
The following features are indicative of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease:
cough
shortness of breath
wheezing
chest tightness
mucus production
cold
flu
swelling in the ankles, feet, or legs
weight loss
lower muscle endurance
blueness of the lips or fingernail beds
fast heartbeat
It is possible that Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.
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Common Causes of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
The following are the most common causes of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease:
cigarette smoking
long-term exposure to lung irritants
tobacco smoking
genetic factors
environmental factors
Risk Factors for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
The following factors may increase the likelihood of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease:
smoking
family history
long-term exposure to other lung irritants
genetic condition
Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Yes, it may be possible to prevent Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
avoid smoking
avoid lung irritants
Occurrence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Number of Cases
The following are the number of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease cases seen each year worldwide:
Very common > 10 Million cases
Common Age Group
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease most commonly occurs in the following age group:
Aged > 40 years
Common Gender
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease can occur in any gender.
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease:
Spirometry: To measures the amount of airflow obstruction present
Lung function tests: To measure the amount of air inhaled and exhaled
Chest x-ray: To view the signs of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Arterial blood gas test: To calculate the oxygen level in the blood
Doctor for Diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease:
Pulmonary specialists
Physician
Complications of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease if untreated
Yes, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is left untreated:
difficulty in walking
unable to work
memory loss
chronic diseases
depression
mental conditions
respiratory infections
heart problems
lung cancer
Procedures for Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
The following procedures are used to treat Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease:
Oxygen therapy: To improve quality of life and only COPD therapy proven to extend life
Surgery: To remove small wedges of damaged lung tissue from the upper lungs and to remove bullae from the lungs that improves airflow
Lung transplant: To improve ability to breathe and to be active
Medicines for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Below is the list of medicines used for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease:
Self-care for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease:
Control breathing: Helps breathing more efficiently throughout the day
Eat healthy foods: To help maintain strength
Avoid smoke and air pollution: To protect lungs from further damage
Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease:
Physical activity: By doing exercise regularly, strengthen respiratory muscles and improves strength and endurance
Patient Support for Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
The following actions may help Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patients:
Family support: Sharing fears and feelings helps reduce stress
Join support group: Helps relieve stress
Time for Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
More than 1 year
Last updated date
This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.