COPD is a term that refers to a large group of lung diseases which can interfere with normal breathing. It is estimated that 11 percent of the US population has COPD. The two most common conditions of COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
The causes of COPD are not fully understood. It is generally agreed that the most important cause of chronic bronchitis and emphysema is cigarette smoking. Causes such as air pollution and occupational exposures may play a role, especially when combined with cigarette smoking. Heredity also plays a contributing role in some patients' emphysema, and is especially important in a rare form -- due to alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency.
Symptoms
Patients with chronic bronchitis usually have cough and sputum for many years before they develop shortness of breath.
Patients with emphysema usually have shortness of breath and develop cough and sputum during a respiratory infection, or in the later stages of the illness.
Emphysema is a chronic lung condition in which alveoli, or air sacs, may be:
Over-inflation of the air-sacs is a result of a breakdown of the walls of the alveoli, and causes a decrease in respiratory function and breathlessness. Damage to the air sacs is irreversible and results in permanent "holes" in the tissues of the lower lungs.
The following are the most common symptoms for pulmonary emphysema, however, each person may experience symptoms differently.
Early symptoms of pulmonary emphysema may include:
Other symptoms may include:
The symptoms of pulmonary emphysema may resemble other lung conditions or medical problems. Consult your physician for a diagnosis.
Emphysema does not develop suddenly, but occurs very gradually. The lung has a system of elastic fibers that allow the lungs to expand and contract. Pulmonary emphysema occurs when a breakdown in the chemical balance that protects the lungs against the destruction of the elastic fibers occurs.
There are a number of reasons for the breakdown in chemical balance:
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, the physician may request the following:
- spirometry - to measure the amount of air that can be forced out
- peak flow meter - to evaluate changes in breathing and response to medications
Specific treatment will be determined by your doctor(s) based on:
The goal of treatment for people with pulmonary emphysema is to live more comfortably with the disease by providing relief of symptoms and preventing progression of the disease with a minimum of side effects. Treatment may include:
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