What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder?

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and one of the major causes of disability. More than 12 million have been diagnosed while another 12 million have the disease and don't know it. Healthwise, the leading authority on health information, reports that smoking is responsible for 90% of all COPD sufferers although only 15% of smokers will actually develop the disease.

COPD is a disease of the lungs caused by damage over many years making breathing difficult which is why it is most commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 60. Also known as chronic obstructive airway disease and chronic obstructive bronchitis, COPD is a combination of two different lung diseases: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic bronchitis is caused by inflamed bronchial tubes that produces a large amount of mucus which blocks airways. When the balloon like air sacs in the lungs are damaged, losing their elasticity, less air is moved in and out the lungs, resulting in emphysema. Almost always caused by smoking, COPD gets worse over time and can be mild to life threatening.

Other causes of COPD are from chemical fumes, dust, or air pollution inhaled over a long period of time. Secondhand smoke or if you had numerous lung infections as a child can also lead to the evolution of this debilitating disease. Some occupational pollutants such as cadmium or silica has been proven to increase the risk of development. COPD can also be linked to a genetic disorder caused by alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency. AAT deficiency is rare and accounts for only 1% of COPD sufferers; however, if COPD occurs in those between the ages of 30 to 40 this genetic disorder may be the cause.

COPD is treatable if caught early but gets progressively worse over time. Symptoms include chronic cough, shortness of breath or dyspnea, and production of cloudy mucus from coughing. COPD often causes weight loss, weakness, and exacerbation which is when symptoms suddenly flare up leading to hospitalization. Diagnosis of COPD requires a physical exam along with a full medical history. Your doctor will perform various lung function tests such Spirometry which measures how well your lungs are working. Other tests include a chest x-ray to rule out any other possible diseases and a complete blood count (CBC) to gain information about how well oxygen is getting to your blood stream.

Smoking cessation can assist in the stopping further damage to your lungs as well as a regular exercise routine and healthy diet. For different programs on how to quit smoking, visit www.smokefree.gov. Furthermore, avoid lung irritants and use and air conditioner with allergen filters in your home. Your physician may prescribe inhaled medicines or a pulmonary rehab program for teaching disease management methods. If COPD is severe, cyanosis or a bluish color on the lips may occur. This indicates a low level of oxygen in the blood and oxygen repletion may be necessary. COPD can also cause swelling of ankles, feet, and/or legs. Seek emergency attention if your heartbeat is fast, lips or fingernails are blue, and mental alertness is impaired.

Sources:

George Schiffman, M.D., Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, www.medicinenet.com

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, What is COPD?, www.nhlbi.nih.gov

WebMD, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, www.webmd.com

WebMD, COPD Exams and Tests, www.webmd.com