MANAGING CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD)

14 Sep,2022

: Kwali Health Tips

MANAGING CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a type of progressive lung disease characterized by long-term respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines COPD as a group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the most common conditions that make up COPD. Damage to the lungs from COPD can't be reversed. It is crucial to note that treatment can help, but this condition can't be cured.

The Kwali4u team cares about your health and well-being. In this blog we will share with you some useful information and tips on what causes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, its symptoms, and recommended lifestyle changes.

The most common cause of COPD is tobacco smoking. Other risk factors include indoor and outdoor pollution, exposure to occupational irritant substances such as dust from grains or minerals, cadmium dust or fumes which are naturally occurring elements existing as a soft, silver-white metal or grayish-white powder that can exist as elemental cadmium, oxide, sulfide, and chloride. Advanced age may also cause COPD.

Symptoms of COPD are usually delayed until significant lung damage has occurred, and they often worsen with time, particularly with prolonged smoking.

Signs and symptoms of COPD may include:

Shortness of breath, especially during physical activities
Wheezing
Chest tightness
A chronic cough that may produce mucus (sputum) that may be clear, white, yellow or greenish
Frequent respiratory infections
Lack of energy
Unintended weight loss (in later stages)
Swelling in ankles, feet or legs

As the condition progresses, the symptoms will usually get worse over time, and daily activities will become increasingly difficult. Treatment can assist in slowing the progression of the condition. Sometimes there may be periods when your symptoms get suddenly worse – known as a flare-up or exacerbation. It's common to have a few flare-ups a year, particularly during the winter. Some exacerbations can be treated at home with increased use of rescue inhalers or bronchodilators, steroids, and antibiotics (to treat a bacterial infection). But if your symptoms become severe, you may need to be hospitalized.

Screening for COPD requires a medical diagnosis, visit your GP at least once a year for screening or see your doctor if you have any of the aforementioned symptoms. If diagnosed with COPD you may require lab tests or imaging often. It is recommended to take flue vaccines annually, have an annual lung function test and take your medications as prescribed.

If you are over 35 and smoke or used to smoke, see your GP if you have persistent symptoms of COPD. Some conditions, such as asthma, bronchiectasis, anemia, and heart failure, cause similar symptoms. A simple breathing test can help determine if you have COPD. Many people with COPD have mild forms of the disease for which little therapy is needed other than smoking cessation. Even for more advanced stages of disease, effective therapy is available that can control symptoms, slow progression, reduce your risk of complications and exacerbations, and improve your ability to lead an active life.

Unlike some diseases, COPD typically has a clear cause and a clear path of prevention, and there are ways to slow the progression of the disease. If you have been diagnosed with COPD by your GP, there are a few changes you can make to your lifestyle to manage your health.

These may include:

Quit Smoking
Get Vaccinated
Adapt Your Work Environment
Stay Active
Maintain a Healthy Weight

If you are a Kwali4u beneficiary or benefactor interested in visiting a GP for COPD screening or want to pay an annual visit to a GP, you can find a Kwali Partner (Healthcare Services Provider) that’s closest to you here

To register as a Kwali4u Benefactor or Beneficiary click here

To Sign-up as a Kwali4u Partner click here

We summarized the main points in this blog on the image below for your ease of reference.

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