COPD Disease

Commonly referred to as COPD, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a serious respiratory illness that could lead to lung deterioration and even death. It is currently considered as the fourth leading cause of death in many countries.

COPD is caused by excessive smoking. According to reports almost 90 percent of COPD patients are smokers or people who are continuously exposed to cigarette smoke.

COPD as a disease often results to two other progressive illnesses: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. These two respiratory conditions are both due to obstruction of the airway.

Chronic bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchi. A patient with this ailment exhibits symptoms such as coughing with sputum. The sputum or mucus in particular, further constricts the flow of air in the respiratory airways which makes it even more difficult for the person to breathe.

COPD can also result to emphysema which is the inflammation of the alveoli or the air sacs. Emphysema destroys and kills the alveoli, thus reducing the ability of the lugs to oxygenate blood flow. Individuals with this disease experience symptoms like difficulty in breathing as well as bluish lip discoloration.

Both emphysema and chronic bronchitis restricts the respiratory system from functioning properly. It also hinders the person to perform several physical activities while severe cases can cause death.