Part 1: C(chronic)O(obstructive)P(pulmonary)D(disease)
Normally, air that we breathe passes from the nose and mouth through the airways to the tiny air sacs of the lung, called alveoli. In the air sacs, oxygen that we breathe passes through the walls of air sacs into the bloodstream. Carbon dioxide (CO2) passes in the reverse direction, out of the bloodstream, back into the alveoli, and is then eliminated by breathing out. Carbon dioxide is a waste product of the body’s metabolism, and must be regularly removed.
COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a condition in which the airways in the lungs become broken down and narrowed, often due to smoking cigarettes. In people who develop COPD, irritating gases and particles are inhaled while smoking or breathing smoke filled air (secondhand smoke) or other fumes or particles. These gases and particles can injure the airways and lungs and cause swelling (inflammation). Over time, the inflammation becomes chronic, damages the lung tissue, and may cause scarring . This lung damage makes it more difficult to breathe in and out and makes it harder for oxygen and carbon dioxide to pass across the walls of the air sacs. As the lungs become more damaged over time, it becomes increasingly difficult to breathe through the narrowed airways. When the damage is severe, it may also become difficult to get enough oxygen into the blood and to get rid of excess carbon dioxide. These changes all lead to shortness of breath and other symptoms. Unfortunately, the symptoms of COPD cannot be completely eliminated with treatment and the condition usually worsens over time.
The term COPD is often used interchangeably with the terms chronic bronchitis and emphysema because chronic bronchitis and emphysema are the most common forms of COPD. Also, the current treatments for COPD, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema are similar.
COPD is the 5th biggest killer in the UK and the 5th biggest killer worldwide. Every hour COPD is estimated to kill over 250 people worldwide. COPD is the only major cause of death whose incidence is on the increase and is expected to be the third leading cause of death worldwide by 2020 (exceeded only by heart disease and stroke).
TYPES OF COPD:
Chronic bronchitis: Chronic bronchitis is the term used to describe people who have a chronic cough that produces sputum (phlegm). Chronic bronchitis can scar the airways and reduce airflow.
Emphysema: Emphysema is the term used to describe damage to the air sacs in the lung. This damage can also restrict airflow.
Asthma: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways. The chronic inflammation leads to recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing, particularly at night or in the early morning. Treatment is usually successful in reversing inflammation and airway narrowing. In a minority of people with asthma, the chronic inflammation permanently restricts airflow. When this airway narrowing cannot be completely reversed with treatment, the person is said to have COPD.
By Dr. Bella Beraha
Continues on issue #134
I’m 59 years old and female. I was diagnosed a couple of months ago with COPD and I was beyond scared! My lung function test indicated 49% capacity. After having had flu a year ago, the shortness of breath, coughing and chest pains continued even after being treated with antibiotics. I’ve been smoking two packs a day for 36 years. Being born without a sternum caused my ribs to be curled in just one inch away from my spine, resulting to underdeveloped lungs. At age 34 I had surgery and it was fixed. Unfortunately my smoking just caused more damage to my already under developed lungs. The problem was having is that I enjoy smoking and don’t want to give up! Have tried twice before and nearly went crazy and don’t want to go through that again. I saw the fear in my husband and children’s eyes when I told them about my condition then they start to find solution on their own to help my condition.I am an 59 now with moderately severe COPD emphysema which I know was from my years of smoking. I started smoking as a teen in high school when smoking was socially acceptable. I remember when smoking was permitted in hospitals. It was not known then how dangerous cigarettes were for us, and it seemed everybody smoked, i was able to get rid of my COPD lung condition through the help of total cure herbal foundation my husband bought, totalcureherbsfoundation .c om has the right herbal formula to help you get rid and repair any lung conditions and cure you totally. I wish anybody who starts smoking at a young age would realize what will eventually happen to their bodies if they continue that vile habit throughout their lives.