COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

DEFINITION

Refers to a group of lung disease that block airflow and make breathing difficult.
Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the most common conditions that make up COPD.
Emphysema occurs when the air sacs (alveoli) at the end of the smallest air passages (bronchioles ) in the lung are gradually destroyed.
Chronic Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes which carry air to the lung and from the lung.

SYMPTOMS

·         Shortness of breath especially during physical activities

·         Wheezing

·         Chest tightness

·         Excess mucus in your lungs especially wakeup in the morning

·         A chronic cough that produces sputum that may be clear, white, yellow or greenish

·         Blueness of the lips or fingernail beds (cyanosis)

·         Frequent respiratory infections

·         Lack of energy

·         Unintended weight loss (in later stages)

COMPLICATION

·         Respiratory infections

·         High blood pressure

·         Heart problems

·         Lung cancers

·         Depression

TEST AND DIAGNOSIS

·         Pulmonary function tests

·         Chest X-ray

·         CT scan

·         Arterial blood gas analysis