COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. According to HealthCommunities.com, more than 16 million Americans have COPD. COPD is the collective name for several disorders that affect the lungs and become chronic over long periods of time. These diseases progressively make breathing more difficult because of obstructions and blockages in the airways. HealthCommunities.com states that COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States.
Smoking
According to the Mayo Clinic, long-term cigarette smoking and tobacco use is the leading cause of COPD. Secondhand smoke is also recognized as a contributor to the disease. People who are exposed to secondhand smoke still maintain some risk of contracting COPD.
Tobacco smoke contains substances that cause inflammation in the lungs. These components also destroy small air sacs, or alveoli, in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. The irritants in smoke cause the airways to narrow significantly, reducing the amount of oxygen the lungs can take in with each breath.
Emphysema
Emphysema enlarges the small air sacs in the lungs that are responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. As these small sacs enlarge, their walls become damaged, and they are eventually destroyed. According to HealthCommunities.com, substances in smoke and other pollutants break down the collagen and elastin that comprise the walls of the alveoli. Elastin and collagen allow the alveoli to expand with oxygen when a breath is taken. As the the elastin and collagen are weakened, the alveoli are prevented from doing their job. Eventually, the sacs are destroyed.
Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is a recurring infection of the lungs that affects the bronchial tubes or airways. Inflammation in the tubes causes mucus to form and build up in the air passages. This obstruction leads to congestion, and in some cases, it may turn into pneumonia. This inflammation can be accompanied by fever, cough and other cold or flu symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, chronic bronchitis and asthmatic bronchitis are both contributors to COPD.
Environmental Toxins in the Air
Smog and other pollutants in the air can cause chest congestion and irritation to the upper respiratory system. Continued exposure to these irritants can lead to conditions such as COPD. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ozone and particle pollutants can be triggers for people who have asthmatic COPD. Staying inside on hot days to avoid ozone and avoiding areas where particle pollutants are known to be may help to reduce the number of attacks.
Work-Related Air Contaminants
Work-related air contaminants may also play a part in damaging the upper respiratory system. Workers who are exposed to large amounts of metal dust, gas fumes and exhaust and other known chemical irritants may also have a higher risk of developing COPD.
Constant exposure to any chemical may have adverse affects not only on the upper respiratory tract but also on the central nervous system. Inhaled pollutants are absorbed quickly through the mucous membranes in the nose, sinuses and lungs. Wearing a protective face mask may reduce some of the unwanted side effects when working with harmful chemicals and pollutants.
