Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease : Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious lung disease. According to WHO, it ranks third among the causes of premature death worldwide. In 2019, 3.2 million people died due to this in the world. It is a chronic condition, meaning once you are affected by it, it cannot be completely cured. It can only be managed and prevented from spreading. This is why it is a dangerous disease.
What is COPD?
In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the lungs become very weak and breathing becomes difficult. It is also called chronic bronchitis. In this disease, breathing becomes difficult, the risk of infection increases in weak lungs. If it becomes serious, there is also a risk of death. The lungs of COPD patients can also be damaged by smoke or pollution.
The biggest causes of COPD
Symptoms like cough, mucus and shortness of breath can be seen in COPD. These symptoms last for a long time. According to doctors, the symptoms of COPD become more severe over time.
The biggest cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is smoking. About 46% of people get affected by the disease due to this. The second reason is air pollution, due to which 21% of people get COPD. After this, the smoke coming out of factories and stoves is the third biggest reason. According to experts, there are innumerable small vesicles in the walls of our lungs, which are also called alveoli. These absorb air. When fine particles of smoke and pollution reach the lungs, they cause inflammation, due to which the alveoli can get blocked. If this happens continuously, COPD occurs.
Treating COPD
According to health experts, the sooner this disease is detected, the sooner its treatment is possible. A disease does not occur in a day and gradually makes its place in the body, so it becomes easy to identify it. As soon as its symptoms appear, it can be controlled by getting it tested immediately. Since it is a chronic disease, its treatment also lasts for a long time. Doctors give anti-inflammatory steroids to reduce inflammation in the lungs. Antibiotics are given to prevent infection. Sometimes surgery is also done in serious cases.
Dangers of leaving COPD untreated
Lung Cancer
Lung infection, flu, or pneumonia
Heart problems
Weak muscles and bones
Depression and anxiety
Risk of death
How to protect yourself from COPD
Do not stay in dusty places for long.
Avoid going out in air pollution.
Avoid smoking, second hand smoking.
Avoid lung infection, contact a doctor.
Stay physically active.
Disclaimer: Some of the information given in the news is based on media reports. Before implementing any suggestion, please consult the concerned expert.
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