- The condition is progressive, and the damage to the lungs is not reversible. Individuals who have chronic bronchitis have scarring of the tubes leading to the lungs, called the bronchi tubes. Patients with emphysema have damage to the alveoli in the lungs, where gas exchange takes place. The alveoli become less elastic, which prevents the exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen in and out of the lungs. Some individuals with COPD will have both types of damage to the lungs.
- According to the American Lung Association, the main risk factor for developing COPD is smoking. Being around secondhand smoke or other lung irritants, such as air pollution, is also considered a risk factor for developing the disease. A rare cause of emphysema is a deficiency in the protein, alpha-antitrypsin. The deficiency is genetic, and symptoms usually appear around age 25.
- Symptoms of COPD may be different. It depends on whether emphysema or chronic bronchitis is the primary condition. Individuals with chronic bronchitis usually produce excess mucus and have a severe cough. People with emphysema often have difficulty exhaling completely, which leads to increased carbon dioxide and decreased oxygen levels in the blood. This can cause headache, confusion and fatigue. Wheezing and shortness of breath can occur with either condition.
- A diagnosis is often made through a combination of factors. A physical will be performed, along with a review of the patient's medical history, including smoking history. A pulmonary function test may be ordered, which measures lung function. A chest x-ray may help check for physical signs of COPD, such as hyper-inflated lungs. An arterial blood gas is sometimes ordered to check for levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood.
- The most common treatments are aimed at reducing symptoms and improving functioning. Medications, such as bronchodilators, are often given in the form of breathing treatments to help reduce airway constriction. Inhaled or oral steroids may be given as a preventive medication to reduce inflammation in the lungs. Chest physiotherapy may be done, which helps an individual cough up the mucus in the lungs. Supplemental oxygen may be needed as the condition progresses. In some cases lung reduction surgery may be performed to remove damaged areas of the lung.
- Not smoking is the main way to prevent COPD. For individuals who do smoke, quitting may prevent further lung damage. Medications, hypnosis and smoking cessation classes are available to help people break the habit. Limiting exposure to secondhand smoke and air pollution as much as possible may also help prevent COPD.
