What to do when you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Huy Nhat - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic disease characterized by chronic cough, sputum production, and shortness of breath. The disease cannot be completely cured, so it is necessary to take daily preventive medicine.

1. Causes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The main cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is cigarette smoke. Tobacco smoke with strong oxidizing capacity and stimulating inflammatory response leads to destruction of lung structure under the action of protein-degrading enzymes, which impair respiratory function. Smoking not only affects smokers directly, but also affects those around them. The more years you smoke cigarettes, the greater the quantity you smoke, the greater your risk of disease. Pipe smokers, cigar smokers, and marijuana smokers may also be at risk for Asthma. The combination of asthma, a chronic inflammatory airway disease, and smoking increases the risk of COPD even further. Occupational exposure to dust and chemicals. Long-term exposure to chemical fumes, vapors and dust in the workplace can irritate and inflame your lungs. Exposure to fumes from burning fuel. people exposed to smoke from burning fuel for cooking and heating have a higher risk of developing COPD Age over 40. COPD develops slowly over the years, so most people are at least 40 years old when the symptoms begin. Genetic causes: Hereditary deficiency of alpha-1-antitrypsin is the cause of some cases of COPD.

2. Symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

COPD symptoms often don't appear until significant lung damage has occurred, and they often get worse over time, especially if smoking continues. Other signs and symptoms of COPD include:
Chronic expectoration of sputum usually in the morning Chronic cough that may produce mucus (sputum) that may be clear, white, yellow, or greenish Difficulty breathing, especially is during strenuous physical activity Other symptoms include: Wheezing, chest tightness, pale lips and extremities due to lack of oxygen, fatigue, weight loss, etc. People with COPD are also likely to experience these symptoms. exacerbations, in which their symptoms become more severe than the day-to-day variability necessitating an increase in dose or a change of medication to respond to the condition.

3. Complications of COPD

COPD can cause many complications, including:
Respiratory tract infections. People with COPD are more likely to get colds, flu, and pneumonia. Any respiratory infection can make breathing worse, cough, and sputum increased. An annual flu shot and regular vaccinations against pneumococcal pneumonia can prevent some infections. COPD may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease Increase the risk of lung cancer. People with COPD have a higher risk of lung cancer. Quitting smoking can reduce this risk. COPD can lead to high blood pressure.

4. What to do when you know you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

4.1 Quitting smoking The cause of the disease is tobacco, so quitting smoking and not living in an environment with tobacco smoke is the first thing that needs to be done to ensure the first-line effectiveness of treatment. Quitting smoking is, in many cases, difficult for patients, requiring active cooperation between physicians, families and the community to facilitate and encourage patients to quit.
In addition, patients need to comply with the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease of the doctor, do not arbitrarily quit when the symptoms are relieved. Take medications as directed by your doctor and get a flu shot every year if possible.
4.2 Have a scientific lifestyle Create a clean, clean, and dust-free living space for the patient. Exercise and exercise depending on your regular health status, combined with effective ball breathing exercises. Diet: Eat foods rich in nutrients, vitamins, drink lots of water.

4.3 Periodic health check-up Go for medical check-up at least 2 times/year. When the symptoms of the disease become worse than usual, such as producing more sputum, sputum turns yellow or cloudy, shortness of breath increases despite increasing daily medication but does not reduce need to be re-examined and hospitalized when needed. set.
Doctor Nguyen Huy Nhat has many years of experience in the field of respiratory disease treatment at Hue Central Hospital, Hoan My General Hospital, .. before being a doctor of General Internal Medicine Department of General Hospital. Vinmec Danang International.
For advice and treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, patients can contact Vinmec International General Hospital at the nearest facility HERE.
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Symptoms and treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Tests to help detect chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Breathing guide in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease