COPD: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention Tips

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that makes breathing difficult. It is the fourth-leading cause of death worldwide. Though relatively common, many do not know about the disease until symptoms have significantly altered their lives. In this regard, in the following article, we discuss what COPD is, its causes, symptoms, prevention methods, and the available treatment options.

What is COPD?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) refers to a collection of chronic pulmonary diseases, including chronic bronchitis and Emphysema. These diseases lead to lung inflammation and damage with obstructed airflow and impaired breathing. The disease is generally progressive; that is, it becomes worse over time. No cure for COPD exists to date, but early diagnosis with optimal management can predict and slow the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life. 

Causes of COPD

The most prominent factor underlying COPD is long-term exposure to toxic agents that injure the lungs, such as cigarette smoke. Yet, various other factors may play a part in the development of COPD: 

• Smoking: It is the major risk factor for COPD. More than 80% of cases are attributable to smoking because the substances released from tobacco smoke irritate and inflame airway walls, resulting in chronic respiratory morbidities.
• Air Pollution: Chronic exposure to air pollution can lead to the development of COPD, particularly in the genetically inclined or former smokers. 
• Occupational Exposures: Workers in occupations that expose them to dust, chemicals, and fumes, including construction, mining, and agriculture, may develop COPD. These agents cause progressively increasing inflammation of the lung, resulting in chronic damage.
• Genetic Factors: A rare genetic disorder, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, is a risk factor for COPD. This genetic disorder leads to lower levels of a protein that protects the lungs from damage, making individuals more susceptible to lung diseases even if they have never smoked.
• Respiratory Infections: Common respiratory infections, such as tuberculosis, COVID-19 pneumonia, recurrent pneumonia, or pneumonia, most notably during childhood, may compromise lung development and function, subsequently raising the risk of COPD in adulthood.
• Pre-existing bronchial asthma, which was not properly treated.

Symptoms of COPD

COPD develops slowly, and symptoms may be apparent in the early stages. Nevertheless, since the disease advances, symptoms grow more severe and can significantly impact daily activities. Common symptoms include:

• Chronic Cough: A persistent cough that produces mucus (often worse in the mornings) is one of the hallmark symptoms of COPD, particularly in individuals with Chronic bronchitis.
• Wheezing: A whistling sound during inspiration, particularly on exhalation, is not unusual in COPD patients because airways are narrowed.
• Fatigue & Shortness of Breath: Fatigue or breathlessness, even minimal exertion, is another common symptom of COPD.
• Frequent Respiratory Infections: COPD patients are at increased risk of acute respiratory infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, which can further aggravate symptoms.

As COPD progresses to advanced stages, the disease can result in fluid accumulation with lower extremity swelling.

Prevention of COPD

The prevention of COPD is the best way to avert known risk factors. Although some factors, such as heredity, cannot be controlled, many lifestyle modifications can prevent the development of this disease:

• Quit Smoking: The best prevention of COPD is to never smoke. Even in individuals who have been smoking for many years, quitting can help slow the progression of the disease and improve lung function.
• Avoid Secondhand Smoke: Secondhand smoke exposure is also a risk factor for COPD. The reduction of exposure can be promoted by the avoidance of smoking areas and promoters of smoke-free areas.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Good nutrition and physical activity training can enhance lung function and prevent the development of COPD. Physical exercise is effective in maintaining the strength of the lungs as well as muscles, which, in consequence, may enhance the general fitness

Treatment for COPD 

Medications

• Bronchodilators: These agents relax muscles in the surrounding airways, facilitating breathing. Short-acting bronchodilators quickly relieve symptoms, whereas long-acting bronchodilators are employed in continuous control.
• Inhaled Steroids: Steroid drugs suppress inflammation in the lungs, preventing exacerbations and improving respiratory function.
• Combination Inhalers: Certain inhalers can be taken to counteract bronchospasms and lower inflammation by combining bronchodilators and steroids.

Oxygen Therapy

Supplemental oxygen may be used in severe COPD (by individuals with low blood oxygen levels) to increase respiratory oxygen intake and reduce cardiac strain.

Surgical Options

• Lung Volume Reduction Surgery: This technique removes unhealthy lung tissue, expands healthy tissue, and improves respiration.
• Lung Transplant: When to a point, a lung transplant may be a possibility (i.e., for patients with end-stage COPD). 

Lifestyle Modifications

In addition to pharmacotherapy, patients with COPD are encouraged to cease smoking, avoid inhaled irritants, and be physically active to enhance lung function and overall health. 

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a serious, chronic condition that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, but it is preventable and manageable. 

By understanding COPD and its symptoms and implementing preventive measures, people may limit their COPD risk. Early treatment and lifestyle modifications can be used for patients who have already been diagnosed to control the disease and reduce disease progression. With correct treatment and help, people with COPD can still enjoy fulfilling, active lives.

Dr. Sandeep Yadav

Consultant, Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine