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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a degenerative yet treatable chronic medical condition that affects the lungs and makes it difficult to breathe properly. Although COPD affects a wide age range, it is very rare in infants, adolescents, and young adults while being very common in older adults, most especially those who are about 40 years and older.
This obstructive lung disease encompasses Emphysema and Chronic bronchitis, there are four stages of COPD progression having various degrees of airflow limitation severity:
• Mild: about 80%
• Moderate: 50% - 79%
• Severe: 30% – 49%
• Very severe: 0% -29%
The onset of the symptoms of COPD in its mild stage can easily be mistaken for some other respiratory conditions or even for a cold if not properly diagnosed. Some of the early symptoms of COPD include:
• Mild and temporary shortness of breath
• Mild but persistent cough
As COPD progresses, the severity and number of the symptoms also increase. Some of the other symptoms which manifest are:
• An increased difficulty in breathing
• Wheezing
• Chest Pressure
• Severe Cough with or without mucus
• Fatigue
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Weight loss
• Swollen feet, ankles, and legs
Often times the cause of COPD is attributed to smoking, therefore people tend to believe that only smokers can get COPD. An analysis of a study in 2011, showed that a significant proportion of COPD patients were people who had never smoked.
Non-smokers are prone to COPD and a couple of factors contribute to the development of this lung disease in such individuals.
We will discuss the risk factors associated with COPD among nonsmokers in the next section.
#1 - Exposure to air pollutants
Long-term exposure to harmful substances in the air can cause lung irritation and potentially damage the lungs and airways, putting one at risk for COPD. Unknown to many, these air pollutants are abundant in our environment today. Individuals can be exposed to air pollutants either indoors or outdoors.
Indoor air pollutants include smoke from burning biomass, cooking stove, or wood. These sources of smoke contain chemicals similar to those found in cigarettes, which over time can also cause deterioration of the lungs.
The most common form of outdoor air pollutant in the United States is dust. Other examples of outdoor air pollutants are fumes from industrial activities or chemicals, commuting to work day after day in an extremely polluted environment from combustion fuels, and exhaust gases from vehicles putting you at risk for COPD.
#2 - Exposure to secondhand smoking
Secondhand smoke is Involuntarily inhaled tobacco smoke from others who are smoking it.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are over 7,000 chemicals found in tobacco smoke. In all, at least 69 are cancerous. Over 250 are harmful in other ways.
Smoking secondhand causes numerous health problems in both children and adults. Children who grow up with parents who smoke are more likely to have poor lung development predisposing them to COPD later in life.
Continuous exposure to and inhalation of these types of air pollutants can cause a non-smoker to develop COPD.
#3 - Genetic factors
Alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) is a protein produced in the liver and moves into the bloodstream. This protein protects the lungs from the harmful effects of irritants and infections. The shape of this protein after being produced by the liver determines if it leaves the liver and is essentially transported to the lungs through the bloodstream. The inability of this protein to get into the bloodstream and to the lungs causes a condition known as Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
Exposure of individuals with this condition to lung irritants results in an increased risk of lung damage and COPD.
#4 - Asthma
Asthma is a respiratory disease that causes inflammation of the lungs. People who have asthma are also prone to developing COPD. Although asthma doesn’t automatically cause this disease but over time, prolonged inflammation of the lungs and poorly managed asthma attacks weaken and damage the lungs leading to an increased risk of developing COPD.
PREVENTION
•People who work in industries or with chemicals that emit fumes should take the necessary precautions at all times by putting on all protective gear including a nose mask and occasionally stepping out of the polluted environment to a well-ventilated place if possible.
• Avoid situations and environments that expose you to air pollutants and always carry a clean handkerchief as it can be used in the absence of a face mask in an emergency situation.
If you notice any of these symptoms mentioned above, you can send an email to respiratorycaresolutionsllc@gmail.com or call (267) 694-3679 for a free consultation.
You will get a thorough assessment and we will help come up with a personalized care plan for you.
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