COPD: The Silent Killer Hiding in Plain Sight

Every year on the third Wednesday of November, World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Day is marked on the initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO), Almaty.tv reports citing the press service of the National Research Institute of Cardiology and Internal Diseases.

COPD is the most common chronic lung disease and the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. It develops in predisposed individuals over the age of 40 and manifests itself as a cough with sputum production and increasing shortness of breath. COPD occurs under the influence of such factors as smoking, age, air pollution, including at workplaces, respiratory infections, and perinatal conditions. At the same time, the main risk factor is smoking. A certain value is also given to genetic predisposition, which explains why not every smoker develops COPD.

The first signs of the disease: the appearance of a daily cough, predominantly in the daytime. Further, there is a separation of sputum in a small amount in the morning. And later, a gradually increasing shortness of breath joins, worsening with minimal exertion or with respiratory infections. To make a diagnosis, you need to get a consultation from a pulmonologist and undergo a study of external respiratory function using spirometry. In addition, it is necessary to conduct spirometric examination to patients-smokers for early detection of violations of their respiratory function.

The most serious period in the course of COPD is the development of exacerbations. Its causes are viral and bacterial infections. During this time, the patient notes an increase in cough and shortness of breath, a change in the type of sputum produced. In case of delay in seeking medical attention, the risks of developing complications of the disease, progressing respiratory failure, increase. In case of exacerbation, it is necessary to review the basic therapy received by the patient, supplement it with systemic corticosteroids, antibiotics, and hospitalization.

The quality of life after a transferred exacerbation of COPD is restored not immediately, but after 1-6 months.

Doctor of medical sciences, professor of the National Research Institute of Cardiology and Internal Diseases Saule Khasenova advises patients with COPD to take seriously the exacerbations of COPD and seek medical attention in a timely manner.

Saule Laikova says: "In conclusion, I wanted to give advice to patients with COPD with very severe shortness of breath. In this case, we recommend that patients do everything slowly, avoid activities that cause shortness of breath, avoid climbing stairs, wear loose clothing to make it easier to breathe, take bronchodilating medication before going outside, regularly ventilate your home. And also do not forget to show up to the doctor in a timely manner and discuss all issues that bother you with him."