pathoscribe

Written by Jayne Thakur | Art by Anoushka Pandya

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a lung condition that occurs after prolonged exposure to smoke, pollution, dust, or chemical fumes. While prolonged habits of smoking most often cause it, it is more likely to develop in women over the age of 65 who have had significant exposure.

A combination of emphysema and bronchitis, COPD can severely impair breathing. Emphysema, in which the alveoli are damaged and over-inflated, reduces functional surface area and makes it difficult for patients to exhale. On the other hand, chronic bronchitis narrows the bronchial tubes due to over-inflammation and mucus buildup, resulting in a persistent cough. Ultimately, patients are unable to regain the maximum lung capacity.

COPD can present as a prolonged cough with mucus, difficulties with breathing, wheezing, a slightly blue tint to the skin, etc. If prognosis is not contained with treatment, it may even lead to other health disorders such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, pulmonary hypertension, pneumothorax, and other serious respiratory disorders. To prevent that, treatment should be sought out immediately.

While there is no cure for COPD currently, several treatment plans exist to be exercised at the discretion of your doctor or medical specialist. Inhaled medications, corticosteroids, antibiotics, and oxygen therapy are all some of the more popular approaches to alleviating the effects of COPD.

Despite there being no cure, COPD is a disease that can be prevented. Smoking can cause a large number of debilitating effects on the body, sometimes even going so far as to induce lung cancer. However, even conditions like COPD significantly decrease the quality of life of patients. As such, smoking should be avoided; those who need help with a smoking addiction should seek help as soon as possible. Do not begin smoking at any age. While it is more dangerous for younger and more naive individuals to start smoking, its negative impacts on the body will continue through adulthood.

Works Cited:
Cleveland Clinic. (2024, September 16). What is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8709-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2024, August 30). COPD. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/symptoms-causes/syc-20353679#