To Breathe Again: 4 Risk Factors of COPD that Are Preventable

If you have ever witnessed someone dying from respiratory failure due to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), it is something you most likely will never forget! Struggling for the very breath that most people take for granted, those afflicted, experience an end that would make even the most hardened criminal cry!

According to Brunner and Sudarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing, "COPD is a broad classification of disorders, including chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, emphysema, and asthma". An irreversible condition, hallmark symptoms include difficulty breathing with any type of exertion and a reduction in airflow going in or coming out of the lungs.

While there is a definite genetic component to the disease, COPD is believed to be associated with environmental issues, as well. Risk factors that contribute to its development include cigarette smoking, second hand smoke, air pollution and occupational exposure. An insidious process, COPD adopts a slow, progressive course that usually becomes symptomatic during the middle adult years and increases in severity with age.

It is important to note that while we cannot change our family history, we do have some control over our environment. Included below are 4 risk factors of COPD that can be prevented through lifestyle changes that will ultimately reduce the chances of developing the disease.

Cigarette Smoking

The most significant risk factor for developing COPD is cigarette smoking. The American Lung Association estimates that 80-90% of those diagnosed are chronic smokers. The amount an individual smokes as well as how long they have been smoking can increase the probability of developing the disease and intensify its severity. Risk factors are not only prevalent in those who smoke regular cigarettes, but with pipe and cigar smokers as well.

To reduce the probability of being diagnosed with COPD, the bottom line is to quit smoking all together. There are many programs available today that can assist individuals with smoking cessation, as well as new medications developed that can help curb cravings. See your doctor for more information.

Second Hand Smoke

Remember the commercials long ago that publicized the hazardous effects of second hand smoke? Although we rarely see commercials like that today, second hand smoke remains a major risk factor in the development of many diseases, including COPD. According to the American Lung Association, second hand smoke causes 3400 lung-related deaths annually. Additionally, the Surgeon General concludes that there are no risk-free levels of second hand exposure.

If you smoke, it is important that you are aware of the danger associated with second hand smoke. It is especially damaging to children. The best thing that you can do for someone you love is to not light up in front of them. By taking responsibility for your own behavior, you could save a life!

Air Pollution

Research continues to show an obvious link between poor air quality and COPD. In today's modern version of the industrial revolution, never has it been more important to be conscious of our environment and how we play a part in the role of air pollution. When the fumes from our cars become hazardous to the air that we breathe, it is no wonder that we are mandated to perform regular smog checks on our vehicles.

The American Lung Association has used the latest research in an effort to ensure that laws are in place to protect the public health of citizens nationwide. While this recognition has led to an over-all improvement in public policy over the last 5 decades, an increase in the amount of motor vehicle traffic in recent years has led to an influx of newer pollutants in the air, such as ozone and fine-particulate air pollution. Numerous epidemiological studies now show a link between these newer air pollutants and exacerbation of airway diseases such as COPD. With this in mind, improved risk assessment for those susceptible to airway disease becomes essential for health care workers and environmentalists alike.

American's can do their part by thinking green and joining in the fight against air pollution. If we strive for this as a nation, our world will be a better place for our future and the future of our children.

Occupational Exposure

According to Medscape Today, "workplace exposures to coal mine dust, cotton dust, silica and grain dust are known causes of occupational COPD". Additionally, they report, "exposure to isocyanates, natural rubber latex, animal danders, platinum salts and a host of other occupational agents have been shown to initiate or aggravate asthma". As economic costs of occupational exposure annually run into the billions, greater emphasis needs to be placed on incorporating safer workplace environments for employees. With today's "sue happy" mindset, stricter laws are paramount for businesses to survive.

Employees can do their part by ensuring that they feel safe on the job. This includes wearing proper protective equipment supplied by the job site. If business owners fail to produce the necessary equipment to protect their employees, this can be seen as negligence and should be reported. It is every employee's responsibility to be their own health care advocate.

Conclusion

The American Lung Association reports that in 2002, 11.2 million adults were diagnosed with COPD. It is currently the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, claiming the lives of over 120,000 Americans annually. By the year 2020, reports estimate that the disease will move up in ranks, becoming the 3rd leading cause of death worldwide. These astonishing statistics make it extremely important to identify risk factors associated with COPD and seek early treatment if symptoms arise. Because most people are not diagnosed until they are in their late 50's, a decline in health can occur rapidly by this time, as lung function has deteriorated. Recognizing risk factors and advocating lifestyle changes is the best way to maintain optimal health and avoid this devastating, life threatening illness

Sources:

Medscape Today

American Lung Association

Brunner and Sudarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing