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Living with COPD: Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis

Living with COPD: Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis

COPD is defined as an obstructive pulmonary disease, characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation that would not be fully reversible.

COPD is defined as an obstructive pulmonary disease, characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation that would not be fully reversible.

Key facts:

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is known to be the third leading cause of death worldwide, causing about 3.23 million deaths in 2019.
  • Nearly about 90% of the COPD deaths in those under 70 years of age occur in say low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).
  • COPD is known to be the seventh leading cause of poor health worldwide (measured by disability-adjusted life years)
  • Tobacco smoking accounts for over 70% of COPD cases in high-income countries. In LMIC tobacco smoking accounts for 30–40% of COPD cases, and household air pollution is a major risk factor.

COPD includes emphysema, anatomically defined condition that is characterized by the destruction of the lung alveoli, with lung alveoli with air space enlargement.

The pathophysiology includes the following:

Causes

The major causes of COPD are known to be as follows:

  • Smoking
  • Air Pollution

Symptoms

The common symptoms of the COPD disease include- difficulty breathing, the chronic cough and feeling fatigued.

The COPD symptoms are seen to worsen very quickly. These are known as flare-ups. These are said to typically last for few days and most often than not, it may require additional medicine.

People who live with COPD also have high risk for many health problems. These include the following:

Risk Factors

There are multiple risk factors that may predispose an individual to COPD. These are as follows:

  • Cigarette Smoking
  • Airway Responsiveness and COPD
  • Respiratory Infections
  • Occupational Exposures
  • Ambient Air pollution
  • Passive, or Second- Hand, Smoking Exposure
  • Asthma
  • Genetics ( Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency )
  • Early Childhood Infections

Diagnosis

Note: It is important to understand that COPD is quite commonly misdiagnosed. Also, most people are only diagnosed at advanced stages

The Tests that are included are as follows:

Treatment

Mostly, two approaches i.e. - Pharmacologic and Non-Pharmacologic Therapies that are used to cater the treatment process.

  1. Pharmacotherapy
    • Smoking Cessation
    • Bronchodilators
    • Anticholinergics Muscarinic Antagonists
    • Beta Agonists
    • Combination of Beta Agonists
    • Inhaled Corticosteroids
  2. Non-pharmacologic Therapies
    • Pulmonary Rehabilitation
    • Lung Volume Reduction Surgery

Treatment of Acute Exacerbations

The following support would be required in case of Acute Exacerbations:

  • Bronchodilators e.g. Albuterol and Arformoterol
  • Antibiotics
  • Oxygen
  • Mechanical Ventilatory Support

Preventive tips from Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center

  • Lifestyle changes
  • Quit smoking or even Vaping
  • Avoid any second-hand smoke or even indoor smoke
  • Try being physically active
  • Prevent any lung infections
  • Flu Vaccine at least once in an year
  • Pneumonia vaccine.
  • COVID-19 Vaccine and Boosters
  • Self-Care Help to stay as fit and Healthy as possible

To Seek Free Consultation From the Doctor:

  • Contact- Dr. Ravin Sharma, (MBBS, MD in Radiology)
  • Available:  24*7*365
  • Phone Number: +91 9212125996

Why Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre Should Be Your Preference to Screen You for COPD?

At Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre, we are known for providing excellent service and care to its patients for decades. Lakhs of satisfied patients over the years!

It is an established and renowned diagnostic centre since 2001.

Their excellence is backed by NABH and NABL Accreditations

NABH accreditation is proof of highest standard of care and service provided to the patients. NABL accreditation reflects the competency of laboratories and equipment based on some national and international standards.

Test report is available digitally too.

Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is a one-stop solution for getting all kinds of tests done, as all services are available under one roof.

We are based in Delhi NCR Region, and our branches are in the following regions:

Yamuna Vihar, Mangol Puri, Budh Vihar, Model Town, Hari nagar, Nagloi

The aim of GDIC is to provide world’s finest technology at the lowest price. 

The rates of scans are reasonably priced. Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre also offer FLAT 50% OFF on many tests. 

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