Lung Diseases are common in our world today, and they are not limited to smokers alone. Inhalation of toxic substances also causes damage to the lung, and sometimes the damage isn't reversible. Examples of common lung diseases are: asthma, pneumothorax or atelectasis (collapse of part or all of the lung), swelling and inflammation in the main passage (bronchial tubes) that carry air to the lung (bronchitis), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, lung infection (pneumonia), and pulmonary edema (an abnormal buildup of fluid in the lungs). All the above-listed lung diseases cause severe damage to the lungs, which may lead to loss of life in the long run.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is caused by smoking, either addictive or secondhand smoke, air pollutants, and chemical fumes or dust from the environment or workplace. A genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can also play a role in causing COPD. Tobacco smoking accounts for 70% of cases of COPD in high-income countries, while it accounts for 30% to 40% in low- and middle-income countries, coupled with household air pollution, which is a major risk factor.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a lung disease causing restricted airflow and breathing problems, sometimes called emphysema or chronic bronchitis. The lungs are damaged and clogged with phlegm, and symptoms include coughing, sometimes with phlegm, difficulty breathing, wheezing, and tiredness. People with COPD are at higher risk of other health problems such as lung infections like pneumonia or flu, lung cancer, heart problems, weak muscles and brittle bones, depression, and anxiety.
There are several processes that can cause the airway to be narrow and lead to COPD. Sometimes there may be destruction of part of the lungs, mucus blocking the airways, and inflammation and swelling of the airway lining. COPD develops through a combination of risk factors, just as mentioned earlier: active or passive secondhand smoking, indoor air pollutants, and early life events such as poor growth and respiratory infections in childhood.
COPD isn't curable, but proper precautions can be taken to reduce the symptoms if one avoids smoking and exposure to air pollution and gets vaccines to prevent infection. It can be treated with medicines, oxygen, and pulmonary rehabilitation. There are inhaled medicines, such as bronchodilators, that open and reduce swelling in the airway. Other treatments like steroid pills and antibiotics are used in treating flare-ups (sudden worsening of symptoms) and surgery, which may improve symptoms for some people with severe cases of COPD.
Our way of life contributes a lot to our wellbeing, which is why someone living with COPD should quit smoking or vaping. Avoid secondhand smoke or smoke from indoor cooking fires, stay physically active, and protect yourself from lung infection by taking flu vaccines every year, getting the pneumonia vaccine, and getting all available COVID-19 vaccines, which have the latest boosters. Enlightenment for people living with COPD will also do them lots of good; knowing information about their condition, treatment, and self-care will help them stay as active and healthy as possible.
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