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COPD

What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?

COPD is a chronic (ongoing) lung condition caused by damage to your airways and lung tissue. This damage results in swelling and restricted airflow into your lungs, leading to symptoms such as breathlessness.

There are two main types of COPD, which often occur together:

  • Chronic bronchitis: This involves inflammation of the airways and mucus build-up, causing frequent coughing and difficulty breathing.
  • Emphysema: This affects the air sacs in the lungs, causing them to become damaged and less effective at absorbing oxygen.

What Are The Symptoms of COPD?

COPD symptoms can appear gradually, which can cause people to mistake them for part of ageing or a lack of fitness. Common signs of COPD include:

  • An ongoing cough, often with mucus
  • Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
  • Wheezing
  • Chest tightness or discomfort
  • Frequent chest infections
  • Fatigue or low energy
  • Unexplained weight loss (in later stages).

These symptoms tend to worsen over time, especially if left unmanaged.

What Causes COPD?

The most common cause of COPD is long-term smoking. Tobacco smoke irritates and damages the lungs, leading to lasting inflammation. However, it’s not the only cause. Other contributing factors include:

  • Long-term exposure to air pollution or workplace dust and chemicals
  • A rare genetic condition known as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
  • History of frequent lung infections in early childhood.

Understanding what caused your COPD can help manage and even prevent further damage.

How is COPD Diagnosed?

Before getting a COPD diagnosis, your doctor will ask you for your symptoms and medical history, especially around smoking or environmental exposures. If they suspect you have COPD, there are several tests they might recommend.

  • Lung Function Tests: This is a range of pulmonary tests designed to see how well your lungs are performing
  • Imaging: Chest X-rays can help your doctor rule out other respiratory conditions. CT scans give a more detailed picture of your lungs, helping to rule out other causes.
  • Lab Tests: These tests can help your doctor determine how well your lungs exchange gases and to rule out any genetic causes.

What Treatments Are There For COPD?

While there’s no cure, there are various treatments that can help manage your COPD effectively. These may include:

  • Inhalers and bronchodilators
  • Steroid medications
  • Oxygen therapy
  • Pulmonary rehabilitation

The right combination of treatments will depend on the stage and severity of the condition.

Living With COPD

Living with COPD can mean adjusting to a slower pace, but with the right support, many people continue to enjoy a good quality of life. COPD patients also find they can manage symptoms more effectively by making changes in their daily lives, including:

  • Stopping smoking
  • Staying active with gentle, regular exercise
  • Eating nutritious foods
  • Avoiding triggers like dust, cold air, or strong fumes
  • Using breathing techniques such as pursed-lip breathing during flare-ups.

When To Get Help For COPD

It’s important to speak to your doctor if:

  • Your breathing suddenly gets worse or becomes more difficult.
  • You start coughing up more mucus than usual, or it changes colour.
  • You develop new symptoms like chest pain or fever.
  • Your energy levels drop significantly without another explanation.
  • Early support can help prevent complications and keep symptoms under control.

How Can I Prevent COPD?

Preventing COPD is often about reducing exposure to things that harm the lungs. Some helpful steps include:

  • Never smoking, or quitting if you do
  • Wearing protective gear if exposed to fumes or dust at work
  • Keeping indoor air clean and well-ventilated
  • Staying up to date with vaccinations to prevent respiratory infections

Looking after your lungs early on can reduce the chances of developing long-term breathing problems later.

Why Go Private with Mid Ulster Clinic For Your COPD Management?

Choosing private care means receiving personal, expert attention. With us, you can benefit from:

  • Direct access to experienced respiratory consultants
  • Shorter waiting times for diagnostic tests and treatment
  • Tailored care plans built around your needs and lifestyle
  • Continuity of care with a team that gets to know you
  • Access to a modern, welcoming clinic environment
  • Prompt support for signs of COPD getting worse

Your health and comfort are our priority – book a respiratory appointment today.

  • Medically Reviewed

Last Reviewed By A Medical Professional On 01/29/24