Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a general term used to describe a number of progressive lung diseases such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. This condition is characterised by difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath and an unexplained, excessive feeling of tiredness. It is typically caused by prolonged exposure to irritants or particulate matter.
Shortness of breath is caused by decreased airflow in and out of the bronchial tubes in the lungs, depriving the body of much-needed oxygen.
The two main types are chronic bronchitis, a lung disorder characterised by inflamed bronchial tubes that overproduce mucus, which results in the blockage of the airways.
Emphysema is a condition that occurs when the air sacs in the lungs become damaged, this results in the walls of the airsacs weakening and rupturing. This lowers the surface area of the lungs and reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches your bloodstream.
COPD can become a debilitating disease that affects day to day activities.
Symptoms of COPD typically develop after significant damage has been dealt to the lungs. Symptoms tend to worsen over time, especially if exposure to air irritants. Symptoms of COPD include:
COPD may occur in those with a long history of smoking, or in those exposed to air pollutants such as dusts, fumes or chemicals.
Risk factors for COPD include:
Imaging Tests
Lung imaging tests are done with ultrasound or CT scan to check for inflammation or abdominalitiess. Chest imaging tests are done to rule out pneumonia, which causes similar symptoms.
Spirometry Test
A spirometry test may be done to check lung function and to detect lung disorders and diseases.
