Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. Although COPD is preventable and treatable, it is a progressive ailment that gets worse over time.

Globally, COPD is the 3rd leading cause of death with 3.23 million deaths linked to it in 2019.

Long-term exposure to irritating gases, tobacco smoking and a genetic disorder called Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency are major causes of COPD. Airway obstruction can either be a result of emphysema and/or chronic bronchitis.

The risk factors include exposure to tobacco smoke, pneumonia, asthma and occupational irritants. COPD can be prevented by avoiding tobacco smoking, using respiratory protective equipment, and flu vaccination.

The symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease are breathing difficulty, shortness of breath, chronic cough, wheezing, tiredness, weight loss and swelling in ankles, feet and legs.

Complications of COPD are heart disease, lung cancer, anxiety, depression, respiratory infection, high blood pressure, musculoskeletal disorders and osteoporosis.

The laboratory diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is not definite. Meanwhile, the cause of symptoms can be identified by Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency blood test, pulmonary function test and sputum microscopy.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease can be treated with medication, lung therapy, supplemental oxygen and surgery.

Early diagnosis and treatment slow the progression of the symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Hence, visit MedBioTech for reliable laboratory tests.

References:

www.cdc.gov

www.mayoclinic.org

www.nhs.uk

www.who.int