Health Problems
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease in which airflow
through the lung's bronchial tubes is partially blocked,
making it difficult to breathe. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema
are the two major types of COPD. It is a silent disease,
and it may be several years before you notice its symptoms.
COPD is usually diagnosed in adults 60 years of age and older.
The Canadian Lung Association says that Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is Canada's fourth leading killer, and
is projected to be the third leading cause of death and
the fifth leading cause of disability worldwide by the year 2020.
Causes and Symptoms of COPD
Cigarette smoking is the main cause of Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease in 80 – 90% of cases. Other causes and
factors which increase the symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease include allergic
reactions, exposure to second hand smoke, air pollution (dust
or toxic chemicals), genetic factors, repeated lung infections
as a child, low birth weight and heart failure.
Shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, limitation of activity are
common symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
They can begin gradually, are usually progressive and include
frequent flare-ups.
Types of COPD
Emphysema occurs when there is damage to the alveoli or
air sacs at the tips of the bronchioles in the lungs. These
are the primary sites of gas exchange with the blood. The
blood brings carbon dioxide from the rest of the body for
release into the alveoli, and the oxygen that has been brought
to the alveoli is taken up by the blood in the alveolar
blood vessels to be transported to all the cells in the
body. When the alveoli are damaged, it is difficult for
your body to take in the oxygen it needs.
The body tends to compensate by constricting appropriate blood vessels.
This leads to pulmonary hypertension, placing increased
strain on the right side of the heart (the side responsible
for pumping deoxygenated blood to the lungs), often leading
to heart failure.
Chronic bronchitis means your bronchial
tubes have become narrow due to inflammation. This narrowing
makes breathing difficult. A person with chronic bronchitis
will often have a persistent cough that brings up sputum.
Long-term, persistent inflammation and sputum production
damages the lungs.
Managing COPD
Eliminating smoke and other indoor air pollutants from
your environment is a primary treatment for those with breathing
difficulties, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Medication under the supervision of a healthcare professional
may also be necessary and helpful.
Appropriate exercise helps you to use oxygen more efficiently. For more information,
consult your doctor and local rehabilitation centre.
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RESOURCES:
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Non-profit associations and government agencies
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