Chronic obstructive pulmonic disease (COPD) is the term during the term of chronic bronchitis, emphysema and related conditions, which may co-exist. Chronic bronchitis is deep-seated inflammation of the major airways (bronchi). Emphysema involves loss to the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs. They as well-as; not only-but also; not only-but; not alone-but cause lung inflammation and obstruction and narrowing of the airways, resulting in set fast breathing in and out.
Causes and Epidemiology of COPD
COPD is usually caused through damage to the lungs due to smoking, through the risk increasing depending on in what plight long someone has been a smoker. Lungs be changed to inflamed and the walls of airways be changed to thicker, with more mucus being produced which causes further narrowing. The lungs and airways be proper for hardened. Air pollution can also give towards the development of COPD.
COPD is a general respiratory illness, with an estimated three a thousand thousand people in the UK with the estate. It mostly affects older people, with most patients diagnosed at about 67 years. It is thin in people under the age of 35. More men than women unfold COPD, but the incidence amongst women is increasing.
Symptoms of COPD
The preparatory symptoms are coughing, difficulty breathing in and uncovered, and production of phlegm. A excitability to chest infections is also to be expected to develop. Coughing may be single at first and then become chronic. It is accompanied by the work of phlegm, due to the airways producing besides mucus. Difficulty breathing in and finished and wheezing may also develop by little and little, at first only occurring upon exertion.
Diagnosis and Classification of COPD
COPD is classified in four categories, gentle to very severe. Classification is based about two lung function tests, forced essential capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory contortion in one second (FEV1). FCV measures in what state much air the lungs can clutch and FEV1 the speed at that air can be blown out.
Stages of COPD
Stage 1 - Mild COPD
At this platform there may be no symptoms or and nothing else sporadic coughing and breathlessness. FEV1 is at least 80% of normal values and FEV1 divided dint of FVC less than 70%.
Stage 2 - Moderate COPD
Coughing, mucus production and breathlessness become more observable at this stage. FEV1 is between 50% and 79% of normal values and FEV1 divided through FVC less than 70%.
Stage 3 - Severe COPD
At this staging difficulty breathing in and out becomes besides severe, and other symptoms such being of the cls who tiredness may manifest. Chest infections caused means of bacteria or viruses may frequently excite coughing, phlegm production and breathlessness. FEV1 is betwixt 30% and 49% of normal values and FEV1 divided the agency of FVC less than 70%.
Stage 4 - Very Severe COPD
At this arena, any exacerbations can be life commination. Airflow will be severely impaired and symptoms deep-seated. Chronic respiratory failure and cardiac complications may exist present. FEV1 is less than 30% of perpendicular values and FEV1/FVC less than 70%.
Treatment of COPD
It is grave to get help early to stop the onset of severe COPD. Treatment of COPD revolves on every side of making lifestyle changes and symptom relief. Stopping smoking is having life. Inhalers are used to help by breathing. Drugs such as steroids, antibiotics and mucus thinning drugs may also sometimes have existence prescribed.