COPD

COPD Diagnosis and treatment in Ludhiana, Punjab, COPD stands for Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is a chronic lung disease that makes the lung inflamed and blocks the airflow from the lungs. People with COPD are at increased risk of developing lung cancer, heart disease, and many other health issues. Mostly this health issue results in symptoms like daily cough and mucus production. The condition progresses with time, but time management and addressing the symptoms along with following all the necessary suggestions of your doctor will reduce the risk.

Different grading systems are available to measure COPD like spirometry grading and one of them comes under the GOLD classification. Through this classification, it allows us to check the severity, and helps in preparing the diagnosis and management plan.

Grade 1	Mild
Grade 2	Moderate
Grade 3	Severe
Grade 4	Very Severe

As we have mentioned-above, this condition progresses slowly and the symptoms will start appearing when the lung damage has started & it starts getting worse. Especially, if a person keeps on smoking, the problem will get severe. Some of the major signs and and symptoms are:

Wheezing

Problem breathing after doing a workout

Chest tightness and respiratory infection (occurs frequently)

Chronic cough which leads to mucus production which is clear, yellow, white, or greenish.

Feeling tired and lazy

Sudden weight loss, especially in later stages

Feet, legs, or ankle swelling

Patients with COPS experience episodes that are called exacerbations. It means the symptoms will get severe as compared to earlier and they will last for more days.
In case you notice a rapid heartbeat, problem breathing, or any other unusual symptom, then make sure to consult the doctor right away.

One of the major causes is tobacco smoking, which is the culprit for many health issues. It also occurs in people who are exposed to fumes from cooking (burning fuel) and poor ventilation systems at home or office.
If a person is in the habit of smoking for a long time, then their lung function will reduce gradually. In some cases, lung problems might be less. Sometimes, the problem might not be diagnosed easily and for that proper & thorough evaluation is needed.

• Emphysema: With this lung problem, the fragile walls and elastic fibers are affected present in the alveoli. The airways do not work when you exhale which affects the airflow going out of the lungs.
• Chronic bronchitis: With this lung problem, the bronchial tubes are inflamed and narrow. Due to this, the lung produces mucus which makes the tube more narrow. It even leads to chronic cough.

The problem with this condition is that it is misdiagnosed. This is because people with COPD get themselves diagnosed when the condition has advanced. When you consult the medical expert, he will check all the signs and symptoms. Go through your past medical history and perform the necessary medical test. Some of the tests which are performed by the doctor include:

• Lung (pulmonary) function tests
• Chest X-ray
• CT scan
• Arterial blood gas analysis (checks how well the oxygen comes into the blood and take out the carbon dioxide by lungs)
• Laboratory tests (to check the symptoms)

• You have a family member with COPD
• You’re a smoker or have smoked in the past
• You’re exposed to a lot of secondhand smoke
• You have asthma or other respiratory problem
• You’re exposed to lung irritants in the workplace
• You take over-the-counter or prescription medications

Both of them are major health issues and these are linked with each other in different ways. Smoking is one of the major risk factors for both health issues. Apart from that, if you are exposed to harmful fumes, chemicals, or secondhand smoke. With age, also the risk increases.

COPD management plan will reduce the symptoms, prevent future complications, and reduce the condition from progressing. The healthcare team can suggest the following options, depending on your condition.

• Oxygen therapy: When the oxygen level is too low
• Surgery: Surgery is given to COPD patients when other treatment options do not work, especially in the case of severe emphysema. The doctor will suggest lung volume reduction surgery to remove the damaged part of the lung. In some cases, a lung transplant might be the suggested choice.
• Making lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, not getting exposed to secondhand smoke, eating all healthy food items, and talking to the doctor about what exercises you should do.
• In some cases, medications are suggested but to see which one works for you some trial and error need to be done.
• You should increase your water intake. Make sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. Limit the intake of coffee consumption.
• You should manage your weight because excess weight can also make it difficult for you to breathe normally.

Although there is no specific diet chart that should be followed, patients need to eat a healthy and nutritious diet. Make sure you have food options from these groups:

• Vegetable
• Dairy
• Protein
• Grains
• Fruits
• Vegetables

Make sure that you avoid the habit of smoking as it is one of the major culprits in this health issue.