COPD

COPD

COPD is an abbreviation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and is a collective term for a group of chronic lung diseases that, among other things, lead to breathing problems. The main cause of COPD is smoking.

What is COPD?

COPD is a collective term for a group of chronic lung diseases that cause the airways to gradually become narrower and make breathing more difficult. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are the most common COPD diseases, and most people have features from both diseases. Chronic bronchitis is an irritation in the respiratory tract that produces mucus and coughing so that it is difficult to breathe. Emphysema means that the alveoli, air sacs that ensure that the lungs take in oxygen and excrete carbon dioxide, change and lose their function. This in turn causes breathing problems.

COPD develops gradually over several years, and most people who develop COPD are over 40. The World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that COPD will probably be the third most frequent cause of death in the world by the year 2030.

Causes of COPD

Smoking is the most important cause of COPD. In Norway, tobacco smoking explains 2 out of 3 COPD cases. Smokers with bronchitis have an even higher risk of developing COPD. Other causes of COPD are poor indoor climate, air pollution and occupational exposure to dust and chemicals. In addition, heredity can increase the risk of developing COPD.

Most people who get COPD are over 40 and the incidence increases with age.

Symptoms of COPD

• Heavy and wheezing breathing, often with wheezing in the chest.

• Increased mucus production in the respiratory tract and difficulties in getting the mucus up. (phlegm accumulation)

• Reap; especially at night and early in the morning, often phlegmatic cough.

• Recurrent respiratory infections.

Unlike patients with asthma, who have symptoms that come on in attacks and who have normal lung function between attacks, COPD patients develop symptoms gradually. As COPD is a disease that develops gradually, the symptoms often get worse over time. Early diagnosis and initiation of treatment is therefore very important.

Good advice for COPD

• Quitting smoking is the most important measure in COPD.

• Ensure regular physical activity. A heating mask can be of great help on cold days.

• Certain breathing exercises can be useful, especially before physical activity, to clear mucus from the lungs in a controlled manner.

• Avoid respiratory infections such as flu and pneumonia. COPD patients are offered the flu vaccine every year.

• Avoid smoky rooms and places with a lot of air pollution.

• Have a clean indoor climate with high humidity.

• Have a healthy and varied diet with lots of fruit and vegetables.

• Drink plenty of water

Treatment of COPD

Inhalation medicines are the most common form of medicine for COPD, and correct inhalation technique is therefore very important. Many people use their inhaled medicines incorrectly. If you are in doubt or want to check your inhalation technique, contact a pharmacist at a pharmacy. Read about the correct inhalation technique here.

Bronchodilating medications

Bronchodilator drugs widen the airways by preventing muscle contractions, making it easier to breathe. Of the bronchodilating drugs, we have so-called beta-2 agonists, anticholinergics and theophylline. Bronchodilating medicines are often breathed into the airways (inhalation medicine), but some also receive tablets with a beta-2 agonist or theophylline.

Glucocorticoids

Glucocorticoids are anti-inflammatory drugs that effectively counteract the inflammation in the airways and reduce the formation of mucus. Medicines with glucocorticoids can be inhaled or taken as tablets. There are inhalation medicines that combine glucocorticoid (anti-inflammatory) and bronchodilator medicine (which widens the airways).

Mucus-reducing medications

To reduce mucus formation, some COPD patients have the effect of expectorant effervescent tablets or potions. These make the mucus thinner so that it is easier to cough up.

Oxygen treatment

In some COPD patients, the lungs eventually become so damaged that they are unable to take in enough oxygen for the body. Oxygen treatment is then necessary, either for a period or continuously. There are both stationary and portable oxygen devices.