COPD - symptoms

COPD is an abbreviation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The disease of non-allergic etiology of COPD arises from the ingress of toxic substances into the bronchi and lung tissue together with dust and gases. Doctors warn: COPD is a dangerous disease, so it is important to identify its symptoms as early as possible.

Symptoms of COPD

COPD is a disease that progresses over several years. Moreover, manifestations of the illness periodically exacerbated, and the patient's state of health deteriorates sharply. Exacerbation of COPD is most often perceived as symptoms of acute respiratory viral infection or bacterial bronchitis. After a while, there is a temporary improvement in the condition, but further periods of aggravation are inevitable. As COPD progresses, there is a tendency to frequent acute periods of the disease. The main symptoms in an adult that allow you to suspect COPD are:

• chronic cough, worse in the morning;
• a large amount of viscous sputum secreted by coughing;
• dyspnoea with physical exertion, and with the development of the disease even with a slight load;
• weight loss;
• permanent muscular weakness, decreased ability to work;
• headaches and dizziness;
• drowsiness.

In addition, as the development of lung disease, typical symptoms of COPD are noted, such as:

• change in the size of the chest (the so-called "barrel chest");
• weakening of breathing and heart sounds;
• cyanosis - a change in the coloration of the skin, they become pale with a pronounced bluish tinge;
• swelling of the cervical veins.

At medical examination the doctor draws attention to signs of a "pulmonary heart" :

• when listening to the splitting of the second cardiac tone with the pulmonary component;
• listening to dry wheezing;
• peripheral edema is noticeable;
• sometimes there is a bulging of the right ventricle of the heart due to hyperventilation of the lungs.

Unfortunately, COPD is often diagnosed at very late stages, when the patient's condition becomes severe and even hopeless.

Diagnosis of COPD

The diagnosis of COPD is made on the basis of spirometry. This basic method of investigation is a measurement of the function of external respiration. The patient is offered to take a deep breath first, and then - as much exhalation as possible. Using a computer connected to the device, the indicators are evaluated and compared with the norm. Secondary study is carried out in half an hour, pre-letting the patient inhale the medicine through the inhaler.

Additionally, the following survey methods can be assigned:

• general blood analysis;
• general sputum analysis;
• indicators of the content of gases in the blood;
• bronchography;
• bronchoscopy ;
• ECG;
• X-ray computed tomography;
• fluorography or roentgen.

If the diagnosis of COPD is confirmed, then the therapy patient begins to deal with a doctor-pulmonologist. At the same time during the exacerbation of the disease, the patient is recommended to stay in a hospital under the supervision of medical staff. The treatment of the disease is aimed at preventing complications and promoting health in general. When choosing medicines, the doctor is guided by the stage at which COPD is located.

Attention! Pulmonary specialists warn that smoking is a major risk factor for COPD. This disease develops in about 15% of smokers with experience. Passive smoking is also a predisposing factor for the development of a dangerous ailment, so smokers should not only think about their own health, but also the safety of their loved ones.