Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease : Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious lung disease. According to the WHO, it is the third leading cause of premature death worldwide. In 2019, 32 million people worldwide died from it. It is a chronic disease, which means that once it is affected, it cannot be completely cured. It can only be managed and prevented from spreading. That is why it is a dangerous disease.
What is COPD?
In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, i.e. COPD, the lungs become very weak and breathing difficulties begin. It is also called chronic bronchitis. In this disease, shortness of breath occurs and the risk of infection increases if the lungs are weak. If it becomes severe, there is a risk of death. The lungs of COPD patients can also be damaged by smoke or pollution.
Also read: Be careful if you work sitting on a chair for a long time, sedentary work harms these organs.
Main causes of COPD
Symptoms like cough, mucus, and shortness of breath can be seen in COPD. These symptoms last for a long time. According to doctors, COPD symptoms get worse over time.
The main cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is smoking. About 46% of people fall victim to this disease due to this. The second reason is air pollution, due to which 21% of people suffer from COPD. After that, smoke from factories and stoves is the third most important cause. According to experts, there are countless small vesicles in the walls of our lungs, also called alveoli. They absorb air. When fine particles of smoke and pollution reach the lungs, they cause inflammation that can block the alveoli. If this happens continuously, it leads to COPD.
Treatment of COPD
According to health experts, the earlier this disease is detected, the sooner its treatment can be possible. A disease does not occur in a day and gradually makes its place in the body, in such a situation it becomes easy to identify. As soon as its symptoms appear, it can be controlled by getting tested immediately. Since it is a chronic disease, its treatment also lasts for a long time. Doctors administer anti-inflammatory steroids to reduce swelling in the lungs. Antibiotics are given to prevent infection. Sometimes, surgery is also performed in severe cases.
Dangers of Not Treating COPD
lung cancer
Lung infection, flu or pneumonia
heart problems
weak muscles and bones
Depression and anxiety
death threat
How to protect yourself from COPD
Do not stay in dusty places for a long time.
Avoid going out in polluted air.
Avoid smoking, second-hand smoke.
Avoid lung infections, contact a doctor.
Be physically active.
Disclaimer: Some information given in the news is based on media reports. Before implementing any suggestion, you must consult the concerned expert.
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