Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, most often from cigarette smoke.
People with COPD are at increased risk of developing heart disease, lung cancer, pulmonary hypertension and depression.
Also, if you have a chronic lung disease such as COPD, you may be at greater risk of severe illness and complications from Covid-19.
COPD symptoms often don’t appear until after significant lung damage has occurred.
These symptoms usually worsen over time, particularly if cigarette smoke exposure continues.
Signs and symptoms of COPD can include shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, frequent respiratory infections and unintended weight loss.
Factors that can increase your risk of COPD include:
The most significant risk factor for COPD is long-term cigarette smoking.
The more years you smoke and the more packs you smoke, the greater your risk.
Pipe smokers, cigar smokers and marijuana smokers may also be at risk, as well as people exposed to large amounts of secondhand smoke.
Asthma, a chronic inflammatory airway disease, may be a risk factor for developing COPD.
The combination of asthma and smoking increases the risk of COPD even more.
Long-term exposure to chemical fumes, vapours and dust in the workplace can irritate and inflame your lungs.
People exposed to fumes from burning fuel for cooking and heating in poorly-ventilated homes are at higher risk of developing COPD.
The uncommon genetic disorder alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency causes some cases of COPD.
Other genetic factors likely make certain smokers more susceptible to the disease.
Unlike some diseases, COPD typically has a clear cause and a clear path of prevention, and there are ways to slow the progression of the disease.
The best way to prevent COPD is to never smoke or to stop smoking now.
If you’re a longtime smoker, you may have tried quitting many times and realise how hard it can be to quit smoking.
But keep trying to quit.
It’s critical to find a tobacco cessation program that can help you quit for good.
It’s your best chance for reducing damage to your lungs. – By Laurel Kelly/Mayo Clinic News Network/Tribune News Service
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