Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease describes a spectrum of chronic inflammatory lung diseases that block the airflow to the lungs and makes breathing difficult. It is caused due to long-term exposure to irritating gases and particulate matter suspended in the air, usually cigarette smoke, and hampers normal breathing. It is irreversible and progressive in nature. However, it can be controlled by prompt medical care. Columbia Asia is one of the best pulmonology hospitals in Bangalore which possesses the required facilities and technical expertise to treat such diseases.

CAUSES

All types of COPD are caused due to airborne irritants. The common causes are:

• Smoking: About 80 to 90 percent of all the cases of COPD are caused due to smoking, although non-smokers who’ve had prolonged exposure to second-hand smoke are also likely to get this disease.
• Exposure to chemicals and fumes in the workplace, such as cadmium dust, grain and flour dust, welding fumes and coal dust.
• Fumes from burning fuel used for cooking and heating, which is more likely in developing countries.
• Respiratory infections
• Indoor air pollution
• In a small percentage of cases, it might be due to genetic factors such as deficiency in alpha-1-antitrypsin protein which causes deterioration of the lung function.

If you observe that your surroundings are conducive to such factors, it might be a good idea to get yourself medically checked periodically. Columbia Asia hospitals are premier lung disease treatment centre in Bangalore that is clinically equipped to conduct such type of health checks.

SYMPTOMS OF COPD

The symptoms don’t usually manifest until the disease is in its advanced stages and there has been considerable damage to the lungs. Some of the early symptoms of COPD are:

• Persistent, mild cough with the production of mucus
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Fatigue

One needs to be particularly observant with regard to the symptoms and seek appropriate care if he/she lives in cities infamous for their pollution levels. Columbia Asia is reputed for its asthma treatment in Bangalore and is at the forefront of the fight against such type of lung diseases.

DIAGNOSIS

A physical examination is performed to look for any visible signs of COPD, such as cyanosis. The tests performed to assess the lung function include:

• Spirometry: A device called spirometer is used to measure the amount of air that a person can breathe in and out and check if the lungs are supplying the blood with sufficient oxygen.
• Imaging Tests: Chest X-rays and CT scan provide a detailed image of the lungs, heart and the blood vessels. A CT scan also helps detect emphysema.
• Arterial blood gas test: A sample of the blood is taken from an artery to measure the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.
• Exercise Tolerance Test: This evaluates the impact of exercise on the ability of the heart and lungs to bring in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide from the bloodstream.
• Bronchial Provocation Test: This test is done very rarely. In this, the patient undergoes spirometry after inhaling a specific drug such as methocholine or histamine to assess the sensitivity of the lungs.
• Peak flow test: This is a breathing test which determines how fast a person can exhale and is helpful in ruling out asthma.

How is COPD treated?

COPD doesn’t have a cure as yet, and hence the treatment options focus on slowing down the rate of progression of this disease, relieving the symptoms and improving the quality of life through adequate lifestyle modifications. Columbia Asia is among the top COPD treatment centers in Bangalore and provides many treatment alternatives to combat this condition.

• Cease to smoke: This is the most important and highly mandatory step in the treatment plan for COPD.
• Oxygen Therapy: In order to enhance the oxygen levels in the blood, supplemental oxygen can be given through a portable mask to help the person breathe better. It increases the survival rates in the patients and improves the quality of life.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation: This includes a mix of exercise, education and psychological support to help patients with debilitating symptoms and should be carried out for a long enough time to provide optimum benefits.
• Medications: There are a variety of medicines available such as broncodilators, corticosteroids, antibiotics etc. which focus on reducing the inflammation of the airways and mucus production to ease the breathing.
• Surgery: Lung volume reduction surgery and lung transplant are the surgical options for treating this disease.
• Lifestyle modifications such as following a healthy diet plan, doing yoga etc. also have beneficial effects on the patients.