Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious lung disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this disease ranks third among the leading causes of premature death. In 2019, it caused 3.2 million deaths worldwide. It is a chronic (long-term) condition, which means that once this disease occurs, it cannot be completely cured. It can only be managed and prevented from spreading.

Symptoms of COPD: In COPD, the lungs become weak and there is difficulty in breathing. It is sometimes also called chronic bronchitis. This disease causes shortness of breath and the risk of infection increases in weak lungs. In severe cases, there can be a risk of life. Smoke and pollution can also damage the lungs.

Causes of COPD: Symptoms of COPD such as cough, mucus, and shortness of breath last for a long time and can become severe over time. The biggest cause of this disease is smoking. About 46% of people are affected by this. Air pollution is also a major cause, which affects 21% of people. Apart from this, smoke from factories and stoves can also cause COPD. Our lungs have small vesicles (alveoli) that absorb air. Smoke and pollution can cause inflammation in these vesicles, causing them to block and increasing the risk of COPD.

Treatment of COPD: Better results are obtained if COPD treatment is started early. This disease does not occur in a day, but develops gradually. It can be controlled by getting it examined immediately when its symptoms appear. Since it is a chronic disease, the treatment is also long-lasting. Doctors give anti-inflammatory steroids to reduce inflammation of the lungs and antibiotics to prevent infection. Surgery may also be required in severe cases.

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