What is COPD?

COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a term that refers to a range of lung diseases that cause increasing shortness of breath that worsens over time. It is expressed in COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, refractory asthma, and some forms of bronchiectasis. Patients with COPD are at risk of developing other conditions, such as heart disease and lung cancer.

Emphysema causes shortness of breath when the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs are damaged and enlarged. According to previous research, each lung contains an average of 480 million alveoli.

When you breathe in, the alveoli expand and stretch, taking in oxygen and carrying it into the blood in tiny capillaries within their thin walls. When you breathe in, the alveoli deflate easily and remove carbon dioxide from the body through the airways. In people with COPD, the alveolar walls are damaged, and the air sacs lose their normal elasticity, causing the airways to the lungs (bronchioles) to collapse.

COPD disease symptoms

COPD causes air to become trapped in the lungs after you exhale, often reducing lung function. COPD symptoms can be extremely painful, bothersome, and interfere with many aspects of your life. COPD patients may experience episodes of exacerbation of symptoms; These severe symptoms may take at least a few days to flare up.

Early signs and symptoms of COPD can be mild and include:

• persistent cough that may contain mucus,
• chest tightness,
• wheezing,
• dyspnoea or shortness of breath that worsens with activity,
• fatigue.

As the condition worsens, other symptoms may develop, such as:

• cyanosis, blue skin, especially lips and nail beds,
• weight loss,
• fast heartbeat,
• oedema or swelling of the feet and ankles.

What are the Causes of COPD Disease?

All forms of COPD, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, are caused by irritants in the inhaled air. Smoking is the main cause of COPD, but non-smokers can also get the disease. Most people who develop COPD symptoms are at least 40 years old. People under the age of 40 can have COPD, but it’s rare.

Other causes of COPD include:

• Indoor air pollution,
• exposure to dust and chemical fumes in the workplace,
• asthma,
• frequent childhood respiratory tract infections,
• exposure to second-hand smoke (smoking environment) and other air pollutants.

Diagnosis is usually made with a series of tests. The pulmonary function test measures the amount of air you can inhale and exhale. These tests often use spirometry and can help your doctor diagnose COPD and other lung diseases, sometimes even before they show symptoms. Other diagnostic tests are chest X-rays, CT scans, laboratory tests and arterial blood gas analysis.

COPD disease treatment

Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, improving quality of life, and correcting lifestyle habits that may aggravate the condition. To slow the progression of the disease, it is important to quit smoking and avoid exposure to lung irritants.

Medications that may be part of a COPD treatment plan include:

• bronchodilators (inhalers) to open the airways,
• steroids to reduce airway inflammation,
• antibiotics to treat respiratory infections.

The ones that are good for COPD are as follows.

• a specific exercise or activity plan to strengthen the muscles used for breathing,
• breathing strategies,
• psychological counselling,
• dietary changes to maintain a healthy weight,
• make sure the wood stove or fireplace is well ventilated,
• if there is visible air pollution outside, stay indoors,
• make your home a smoke-free environment,
• if you work in an environment where you are exposed to chemical fumes and dust, talk to your supervisor about respiratory protective equipment and other ways to protect yourself.

Occupational diseases like this cause you to lose your health. You should not forget that you have the right to claim all the expenses you have made as compensation due to the illness you have experienced in your occupational diseases that can cause great damage to your life in the long run. If you have been injured or sick because of your profession, we recommend that you contact WorkCover lawyers without delay to find out what your rights are.