Lungs are a very important part of our body. It supplies oxygen to our blood and removes carbon dioxide from the body. But as pollution has increased in the country these days, so has the problem of lung diseases. Especially when the pollution particles spread in the air of the country’s capital Delhi and settle in the lungs, then people start having breathing problems. Let us tell you, these small particles present in the air spread from breath to lungs and from lungs to blood and then slowly spread throughout the body. Due to this, lung problems are increasing day by day, which develop in the form of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). It becomes difficult to breathe in this problem. It mainly includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, which damage the lungs over time. In such a situation, World COPD Day was started to spread awareness about this disease. Dr. Ajay Shah, Managing Director, Neuberg Laboratory, Noida, explains when this respiratory disease occurs, what are its symptoms and what should be done to prevent it.

COPD symptoms

• persistent cough,
• excessive mucus production,
• wheezing
• Difficulty breathing and chest tightness
• Severe breathing difficulties and frequent respiratory infections

Causes of COPD

COPD is mainly caused by long-term exposure to irritants that damage the lungs. Smoking remains the leading cause, although non-smokers exposed to air pollution or fuel fumes are also at risk. Genetic causes, such as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, can also cause the disease.

COPD prevention

If you want to control your COPD, improve your lifestyle and give up certain bad habits, such as smoking and drinking alcohol. In addition, wearing a mask in a polluted environment and improving indoor air quality greatly reduce its risk. Vaccination against influenza and pneumonia also plays an important role.

COPD treatment

There is no cure for COPD, you can only control this disease by improving your lifestyle. Medicines such as bronchodilators, steroids and oxygen therapy are usually used for this.

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