29 May 2024

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, commonly abbreviated as COPD, is a term often used for a group of long-term lung diseases.

Risk Factors for COPD:

• Smoking, exposure to cigarette smoke in both active and passive smokers, is the primary cause of COPD.
• Age, COPD develops slowly over the years. Symptoms typically appear in individuals aged 35-40 years.
• Air pollution.
• Genetic factors: If there are family members with COPD, the individual has a higher risk of developing the same disease.

Symptoms of COPD:

• Chronic cough with or without mucus that doesn't go away
• Increasing shortness of breath during light activities like cooking or getting dressed
• Wheezing or breath sounds accompanied by a whistling sound
• Weakness (loss of ability/productivity)
• Chest tightness
• Weight loss

Treatment for COPD:
Treatment depends on the severity of COPD and may include:

1. Lifestyle Changes
   - Avoiding cigarette smoke and other airborne irritants, such as dust, smoke from burning, and other toxic chemicals.
   - Exercise to strengthen the diaphragm (the muscle between the lungs and stomach that helps you breathe)
   - Diet, smaller portions, taking vitamins, and mineral supplements
   - Sufficient rest
2. COPD Treatment with Therapy
   - Oxygen therapy, which can help:
   - Pulmonary rehabilitation (respiratory therapy), a special program for lung disease sufferers.
   - Non-invasive ventilation therapy at home, using a mask to improve breathing.
3. Treatment for Exacerbations (Worsening Symptoms) :
   Several types of medications to treat COPD symptoms include:
   - Bronchodilators. Inhalers or nebulizers can be used with this medication.
   - Corticosteroids
   - Antibiotics

Reviewed by: dr. Innosensius Ibnu Ishwara, M.K.K.

Source: NTB Health Office Health Article

Photo: freepik.com