Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung condition that impairs breathing and restricts airflow. It depicts the gradual deterioration of the respiratory system due to pulmonary airway blockage, emphysema, and reduced airflow. Cough, occasionally accompanied by phlegm, breathing problems, mucus (sputum) production, wheezing, and exhaustion are all symptoms of COPD.

The two most frequent diseases that cause COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Both of these ailments cause difficulty for the individual to breathe in and out, which prevents them from taking in enough oxygen or breathing out, which causes carbon dioxide to build up in their bodies. The destruction of the lungs' air sacs by emphysema prevents air from flowing out, whilst the inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes brought on by chronic bronchitis allow mucus to accumulate, leading to destructive effects on the lung health and the body of individuals.

As per the World Health Organisation, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death worldwide, causing 3.23 million deaths in 2019. COPD is the seventh leading cause of poor health worldwide (measured by disability-adjusted life years). According to the latest figures, 65 million people around the world are living with moderate to severe COPD.

Causes of COPD

India has a diverse smoking culture, with people smoking cigarettes, bidis, hookahs, and chillums. Smoking is unquestionably the leading risk factor for the onset of COPD and smoking harms your lungs' air sacs, airways, and lining. Carbon monoxide, another component of tobacco smoke, can replace oxygen in the blood. This indicates that less oxygen is carried by the blood leading to the organs of the body not receiving oxygen. Individuals who smoke or have smoked frequently have a significantly higher prevalence of lung conditions than non-smokers.

Air pollution exposure, as well as chemical and dust exposure at work, are additional risk factors. A rare genetic condition which is Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can cause COPD at a young age. Additionally, poor prenatal growth, premature birth, recurrent or severe respiratory infections in children that stunt their lung growth, and childhood asthma are all early life events that might result in COPD.

Impact of COPD on the Body

The impact of COPD on daily living mostly relies on the disease's current stage. It could only result in modest issues for years, but over time, the signs worsen. Unaccounted weight loss is a common symptom of nutritional irregularities in COPD, including changes in caloric intake, basal metabolic rate, intermediate metabolism, and body composition. Patients with COPD frequently have skeletal muscle weakness, and they may also exhibit chronic respiratory failure. People with severe COPD can no longer lead regular lives and eventually require substantial nursing care and support.

People with COPD become sleep deprived, as they have sleep disturbances due to oxygen desaturation (hypoxemia) in the body which leads to not getting enough sleep. Hypoxemia also impacts REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Lack of sleep hurts concentration, memory, judgement, and mood and can leave you feeling drained all day.

Treatment options

Whilst COPD is irreversible, with efficient management of symptoms along with prompt medical attention, the quality of life can be significantly enhanced while simultaneously decreasing the risk of other linked diseases such as cardiovascular disease and lung cancer.

Additionally, to better comprehend the impact of COPD, patients are advised Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs). PFTs are non-invasive examinations that demonstrate how effectively the lungs are functioning. Spirometry airflow measurements or the results of a pulmonary function test (PFT) are used to assess the severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Below mentioned are the tips to better manage COPD:

1. Quitting smoking - The most important step in any COPD treatment regimen is to completely stop smoking. One can prevent COPD from growing worse and losing the capacity to breathe by quitting smoking. Additionally, try to limit your exposure to second-hand smoke.
2. Breathing exercises - Employing breathing techniques for COPD can help patients breathe easier, receive more oxygen, and strengthen their respiratory muscles. The capacity of your body to utilise oxygen would improve and ease the symptoms.
3. Improving sleep quality - Daytime sleepiness may exacerbate the symptoms of COPD. Adopting smart choices regarding sleeping posture will help prevent COPD symptoms from getting worse at night. The recommended position for keeping airways open and getting a better night's sleep is on your side. One should also speak with a sleep professional about any sleep disturbances.
4. Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) therapy -
   Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) therapy can help patients breathe easier. Similar to CPAP, NIV therapy uses a machine that delivers air through a tube and mask to make breathing easier. NIV therapy can help COPD patients live healthier lives, avoid hospitalisations, and lower their likelihood of mortality.
5. Pharmacological Treatment - Pharmacological treatment for COPD is to improve overall health status, decrease the frequency and severity of exacerbations, that prevent and control symptoms. Currently, the cornerstone of treatment for COPD is bronchodilators.
6. Vaccination – The WHO advises flu and pneumonia vaccinations for people who have COPD to help them keep as active and healthy as possible and to better protect themselves from lung infections.

To promote the early detection of COPD in a nation like India, there is an ever-increasing demand for readily available appropriate diagnostic and monitoring tools. Additionally, it is equally important to raise awareness about COPD as it impacts the quality of life of individuals.

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