Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD is a serious, long-term, progressive disorder of the respiratory system - and it affects millions of people each year. It is a chronic lung disease which causes inflammation in the airway. COPD is typically caused by long-term exposure to irritating gasses or particles - such as cigarette smoke, air pollution and chemical fumes. COPD can also be caused by other respiratory conditions, such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Chronic bronchitis is the inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the alveoli of the lungs. Emphysema is a condition in which the alveoli at the end of the bronchioles of the lungs are damaged as a result of exposure to smoke and other irritating gases and particles.

Although COPD is a degenerative disease, it is treatable. With proper medical management, most people with COPD can control their symptoms and lead a mostly normal life. Some treatment options include: 

• Bronchodilators - to widen the airway and improve the airflow to ease breathing.
• Steroids- reduce irritation and sputum production and thus help in long-term maintenance in COPD cases.
• Respiratory Rehabilitation- include an exercise program, breathing and relaxation techniques, disease and attack management training, and nutritional and psychological counselling with an aim to promote almost normal daily life for COPD patients.
• Antibiotics
• Oxygen therapy
• Surgery: in very severe cases.