Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

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Disease characterized by air flow limitation that is not fully reversible. COPD Includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Cigarette smoking and respiratory infections are most common causes of COPD.

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Clinical signs and symptoms

Cough
Sputum production
Breathlessness on exertion
Air hunger, gasping, breathlessness even at rest in later stages

Risk factors

Cigarette smoking
Respiratory infections
Occupational exposure – coal mining, gold mining, dust etc
Air pollution
Genetic risk factors- Alpha 1 –antitrypsin deficiency

Complications

Increased heart rate and respiratory rate
Respiratory infections
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Lung cancer

Tests and diagnosis

Complete blood count
Chest x-ray
Pulmonary function test- spirometry
Sputum examination
CT chest

Preventive measures

To quit smoking
Avoid occupational exposure to chemical fumes and dust.
Avoid strenuous exercises.
Avoid cold weather (cold dry air).

Immediate medical intervention needed when there is

Severe wheezing
Confusion, sleepiness/drowsiness
Cyanosis
Increased heart rate and respiratory rate

Life style changes and home remedies

Clear your airways by gentle coughing/ drinking plenty of water
Breathe through nose instead of your mouth when you ate outside
Eat healthy foods
Proper breathing exercises

Treatment

Oxygen therapy by face mask 5-6 lts
Nebulization with bronchodilators and steroid
Antibiotics- lll generation Cephalosporins, anti pseudomonal penicillin’s
Bronchodilators- Salbutamol, Deriphylline, Aminophylline- IV route/ inhalation
Steroids- by inhalation (Budesenoid) and IV injections (Hydrocortisone)
Expectorants- Bromhexine, Guaiphenasin, Ambroxyl
Steam inhalation or saline inhalation to liquefy sputum

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