It is often called "smoker's cough", because the main cause of this disease is tobacco smoke. The disease leads to a deterioration in respiratory capacity, an irreversible process of circulation of airflow in the lungs. Known earlier diagnoses of "chronic bronchitis", as well as "emphysema" are now included in the general diagnosis - COPD.
The onset of the disease is irreversible processes in the bronchi that lead to excessive mucus formation, then the alveoli are affected and associated infections are associated. It is difficult to diagnose obstructive pulmonary disease, but it is impossible to cure it.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - symptoms
Symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease do not always provide an obvious opportunity for a true diagnosis. Only a prolonged course of the disease suggests that the airways are affected precisely by this pathology. The main symptoms of COPD include:
- difficulty breathing;
- shortness of breath in the absence of physical exertion;
- a persistent cough that lasts more than two weeks;
- excessive sputum production in the lungs;
- mixture of mucus secretion and saliva in the respiratory tract.
Although all of the above symptoms of obstructive pulmonary disease and are typical of many infectious diseases of the lower respiratory organs, the task of physicians is to establish a correct diagnosis in a short time to facilitate the course of the disease and to avoid the death of the disease. Diagnosis of chronic obstructive disease is based on the measurement of the speed and volume of the received air on inspiration and expiration.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - treatment
The development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an irreversible process. It is impossible to cure COPD. Therefore, all efforts of medicine are aimed at alleviating the symptoms and slowing the development of the disease. Thus, the possibilities of medicinal action create conditions for improving the life of the patient. Taking medications that expand the airways, can increase the intake of light enough of oxygen, lighten the shortness of breath, and drugs that reduce mucosal secretion, ease the rapid and painful cough. Obstructive pulmonary disease and its treatment today remain the most important dilemma of the World Health Organization.
Risk group
- In the first place in the risk group of COPD are people exposed to constant exposure to tobacco smoke. It can be both active and passive smokers. Recently, the percentage of people suffering from obstructive disease has increased significantly among the female population, because smoking has become a habit of a huge number of women.
- In the second place, if possible, chronic obstructive disease is caused by people who are in constant respiratory contact with direct combustion substances.
- The risk group includes those who do not have the correct immune system in connection with frequent infectious diseases during the period of immunity formation.
Despite the fact that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can not be cured, do not despair when you learn about the diagnosis. The means aimed at improving the quality of life of patients with COPD allow for a full-fledged existence. But preventing this dangerous disease - reducing consumption of tobacco products - should be the main task for everyone who has not yet parted with this addiction.