Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD, is a group of chronic lung diseases that obstructs air intake. Approximately 12 million Americans have COPD. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), an estimated one in 20 deaths in the United States can be attributed to COPD in 2005, with smoking the etiology for at least 75 percent of these deaths. There is no cure for COPD, with the disease progressively getting worse over time. However, treatment can help to control the symptoms.
Symptoms
A chronic obstructive lung disorder does not happen over night, rather respiratory damage occurs slowly over time. Common symptoms of COPD include persistent shortness of breath and wheezing. A productive cough with chest tightness is experienced on a frequent basis. Upon physical examination, a patient in later stages of the disease may exhibit what is called a "barrel chest," that is, a rounded chest that looks like a barrel. According to the Mayo Clinic, this occurs over time because chronic lung over-inflation makes the rib cage expand and the barrel shape results from the rib cage remaining partially and chronically expanded.
Etiology
The two most common causes of obstructive disease are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Another possible cause of obstructive pulmonary disease may be recurrent or chronic asthmatic bronchitis. The bottom line is that the majority of COPD cases are directly a result of years of cigarette smoking. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control specifies that rates of COPD continue to rise more significantly in females than in males, a likely result of increased smoking among women.
Risk Factors
Smoking is the number one risk factor for COPD. It is estimated that it takes about 10 years of smoking before symptoms start to surface. Age is a risk factor because people typically get diagnosed after 40 years of age--remember, this is a progressive disorder that occurs over time. Heredity is a relatively new risk factor; specifically, a rare genetic disorder, alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency causes some cases of COPD. Finally, exposure to chemicals, vapors or other substances that can chronically inflame the lungs is another consideration. This usually occurs in the context of being a work-related hazard.
Prognosis
It may take years for the symptoms of COPD to present, yet the outcome is severe, long-term and potentially disabling. Lung damage remains and the condition gets worse with time for the remainder of the lifespan.
