Are you experiencing a cough with phlegm that doesn't go away? Are you an active/passive smoker? Do you work in an environment that is frequently exposed to various chemicals? If so, find out more about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) below.
Definition of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or often abbreviated as COPD is a chronic lung disease characterized by airflow limitation and persistent respiratory symptoms associated with abnormalities of the airways and/or alveoli.
In Indonesia, COPD is one of the 10 main causes of death. The prevalence of COPD continues to increase with increasing smoking prevalence, increasing air pollution and increasing aging population.
Symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
A person with mild COPD may have no complaints or symptoms. This is dangerous because if the risk factors are not avoided then this disease will be more progressive. COPD can cause the following symptoms:
- Hard to breathe
- Cough with phlegm
- Sometimes accompanied by wheezing
- In certain conditions it can get worse with increasing frequency of coughing, severe shortness of breath with excessive phlegm.
- Lethargic and limp
- Insomnia
- Easily tired and feel depressed
Risk factors for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Smoking, both active and passive smoking is the most important risk factor.
- History of exposure to air pollution with harmful particles and irritants
- History of recurrent respiratory tract infections and other lung diseases such as recurrent asthma.
- Genetic factors, protein deficiency Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AATD: alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency) which plays a role in maintaining lung elasticity.
- oxidative stress
- Lung growth that is less than optimal
- Low socioeconomic status
How to prevent and treat Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
The main prevention is by avoiding smoking (active and passive), avoiding exposure to pollution or other irritants by using masks.
COPD treatment aims to:
- Reduce symptoms
- Prevent disease progression
- Improve health status
- Prevent and manage complications and reduce mortality
In general, COPD treatment includes:
- Smoking cessation education
- Drugs such as nicotine replacement therapy (nicotine replacement therapy), inhalation therapy, antibiotics, vaccinations in the prevention of recurrent lung infections.
- Rehabilitation to improve symptoms, improve quality of life, improve the physical and emotional participation of COPD sufferers in daily activities
- Oxygen therapy
- Mechanical ventilation for severe cases with respiratory failure
- Nutrition therapy
- Palliative therapy in controlling advanced COPD symptoms
If you have experienced some of the symptoms of COPD it is recommended to see a doctor. Even though the symptoms experienced do not necessarily lead to COPD, a doctor's consultation is needed to rule out other possibilities. If you are suspected of having COPD, your doctor will refer you to a pulmonary specialist for treatment.
The article was reviewed by dr. Salva Badjarad, Sp.P (Pulmonary & Respiratory Specialist Doctor at EMC Tangerang Hospital).