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What is COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)?
COPD is a heterogeneous but generally progressive disease, characterized by a more rapid decline in lung function than normally seen in increasing age. Exacerbations are common, particularly in severe stages and they frequently lead to hospitalization and can be life threatening.
COPD is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, resulting in an economic and social burden that is both substantial and increasing. The burden is expected to increase in coming decades due to continued exposure to risk factors, and due to the increased number of people living to the age at which COPD normally develops.
The prevalence of COPD in the general population is estimated to be 1% across all ages and climbs appreciably with age, reaching >10% amongst those aged >40 years. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease primarily is a disease of cigarette smokers, with smoking responsible for 90% of all cases. Smoking cessation has been shown to decrease the accelerated rate of decline in lung. Smoking cessation is the cornerstone of COPD management, pharmacologic treatment also plays a significant role.
The disease develops slowly over several years. Early symptoms may be relatively insignificant, but if you continue to smoke the disease becomes worse and it may be difficult to cope with simple everyday household tasks by yourself.
Common symptom due to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
• Effort dyspnoea, shortness of breath when you do simple household tasks
• Increasingly need to cough up phlegm, nocturnal awakening and disturbed sleep
• More respiratory tract infections
• Rattle or wheezing breathing sound
• Swollen feet
About this Author
Quitting smoking help and relapse prevention is the key element in the treatment of COPD. Smoking cessation is the only action that can stop progression of the disease, which otherwise continues. As nicotine addiction is very strong, it is often difficult to successfully quit smoking, despite knowing about the harmful effects of smoking.
Find out more about great quit smoking methods.
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