What is it?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease of the respiratory tract; it takes the form of non-reversible progressive obstruction of the airways. The obstruction is associated with chronic inflammation affecting lung tissue and the airways, resulting in a reduction in respiratory capacity.
COPD affects more than 300 million people worldwide. An early diagnosis and constant monitoring of all parameters are vital for keeping the disease under control and maintaining a good quality of life. The chronic, progressive course of COPD is often affected by acute episodes of worsening symptoms and function (flare-ups or exacerbations); patients with moderate/severe disease have been estimated to have 2/4 flare-ups annually. These flare-ups are the leading cause of hospitalisation and death in these patients.
Continual flare-ups encourage the disease to progress, causing the patient’s health to worsen. Limiting these episodes as much as possible therefore improves quality of life and slows disease progress.
Risk factors
There is currently no permanent cure for COPD, the disease is progressive and chronic. The treatments available to date have been based on long-acting bronchodilators for moderate and severe disease, and inhaled cortisones for severely ill patients with frequent flare-ups.
Only a specialist can prescribe an appropriate treatment plan, which defines the most suitable treatment pathway based on the disease stage (mild, moderate or severe). A prompt diagnosis, correct and compliant treatment, and continual monitoring of the symptoms are all vital in slowing disease progression and maintaining a good quality of life.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Cough, sputum and dyspnoea sound alarm bells in COPD. But the disease is not always diagnosed promptly, and often late when it is already at a moderate-severe stage. COPD should be considered in everyone over the age of 35-40 years who has these symptoms together with frequent winter colds and a history of exposure to risk factors for the disease.
Spirometry is an essential examination for a correct diagnosis. Based on a number of lung capacity parameters, spirometry can identify cases that require greater diagnostic investigation. This helps to correctly classify the COPD and plan targeted treatment according to the patient’s requirements.
Cure
There is currently no permanent cure for COPD, the disease is progressive and chronic. The treatments available to date have been based on long-acting bronchodilators for moderate and severe disease, and inhaled cortisones for severely ill patients with frequent flare-ups.
Only a specialist can prescribe an appropriate treatment plan, which defines the most suitable treatment pathway based on the disease stage (mild, moderate or severe).
A prompt diagnosis, keeping to the treatment, having an active lifestyle, reducing risk factors (e.g. stopping smoking) and continual monitoring of the symptoms are all vital in slowing disease progression and maintaining a good quality of life.
