Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive, irreversible lung disease characterized by long-term airflow limitation. It encompasses Chronic Bronchitis (long-term airway inflammation) and Emphysema (destruction of lung alveoli).
Causes & Risk Factors
- Tobacco Smoking: Primary cause of COPD worldwide.
- Biomass Fuel & Air Pollution: Indoor exposure to wood/crop burning smoke in unventilated kitchens.
- Occupational Dusts & Chemicals: Long-term exposure to industrial dust, silica, or chemical fumes.
- Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: Genetic disorder leading to early-onset emphysema.
Symptoms
- Progressive exertional dyspnea (shortness of breath during daily activities).
- Chronic productive cough with daily sputum production.
- Frequent respiratory tract infections and wheezing.
- Fatigue, weight loss, and barrel chest deformity in advanced stages.
Diagnosis & Management Protocol
- Spirometry: Confirms persistent airflow limitation (post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC < 0.70).
- Inhaled Bronchodilators: Long-Acting Muscarinic Antagonists (LAMA) and Long-Acting Beta Agonists (LABA).
- Smoking Cessation: Single most effective intervention to stop disease progression.
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Exercise training, breathing techniques, and nutritional guidance.
- Preventative Vaccination: Annual Influenza and Pneumococcal vaccination to prevent severe exacerbations.
