Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) encompasses emphysema and chronic bronchitis, leading to damaged airways and air sacs that restrict breathing. It ranks as the fourth leading cause of death globally, claiming 3.5 million lives in 2021, with 90% of under-70 deaths in low- and middle-income countries. Long-term exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke triggers chronic inflammation, narrowing airways and reducing lung recoil.

Symptoms and Risk Factors

Common symptoms include persistent cough with phlegm, wheezing, shortness of breath, and fatigue, worsening over time to potential respiratory failure. Smoking is the primary risk, but indoor air pollution, dust, and genetics also contribute, especially affecting middle-aged or older adults.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis involves spirometry to measure airflow limitation. Treatments focus on symptom relief: quitting smoking is crucial, alongside inhalers, bronchodilators, steroids for flare-ups, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation with exercises. Surgery like lung volume reduction or transplant is rare for severe cases; no cure halts progression, but early intervention improves quality of life.