Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a disease affecting the lungs that blocks airflow and results in difficulty breathing. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is most often made up of a combination the lung diseases emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is one of the leading causes of death in the world and approximately 12 million Americans are affected, according to 2007 information from the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library.
Causes
The main cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is smoking; however, only about 15 percent of smokers develop the disease, according to 2007 information from the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. Chronic bronchitis can lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease because the chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes eventually causes them to narrow, which results in a decrease in airflow. Other irritants such as certain gases or fumes, secondhand smoke, pollution and cooking gas can also cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Rarely, a genetic disorder characterized by lack of a certain protein can result in the development of the disease.
Symptoms
Symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease usually do not develop until the disease as progressed to a late stage. When symptoms do occur, they often appear in exacerbations, which are fluctuations in intensity, according to Mayo Clinic. Symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, chronic cough often accompanied by mucus, fatigue and recurring respiratory infections. Severity of symptoms usually increases as an affected individual ages.
Risk Factors
The most significant risk factor in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is cigarette smoking, although those who smoke pipes and cigars are also at risk. Risk increases with the number of cigarettes, as well as the total years of cigarette smoking. People who are frequently exposed to secondhand smoke are also at risk. Those in occupations with constant exposure to chemicals, dusts and certain vapors also have an increased risk of developing the disease. Additionally, increasing age, genetic factors and gastroesophageal reflux disease increase the risk.
Treatment
Although there is no cure for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, there are treatments that can slow the progression of the disease, as well as ease symptoms. Cessation of smoking is the first step in treatment. Medications may also be prescribed. Bronchodilators work by opening airways, and inhaled corticosteroids aid in reducing inflammation in the lungs. Oxygen therapy, which is the use of supplemental oxygen, may also be needed for those who have low levels of oxygen in the blood, according to MedlinePlus. If neither of these treatment options is effective, surgery to remove the damaged part of the lung may be performed. Lung transplantation is rare and considered only for those with severe cases.
Complications
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can cause serious future complications. Respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, are common. The combination of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumonia can cause extreme difficulty in breathing and is a very serious condition. Those with COPD also have an increased risk for high blood pressure and heart disease, including heart attack.
