COPD, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

What is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive and chronic respiratory disease characterized by persistent airway obstruction, making breathing difficult.

This obstruction is the result of the combination of two main diseases:

1. Chronic bronchitis: persistent inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which causes coughing and excessive mucus (sputum) production, impairing airflow.
2. Pulmonary emphysema: progressive destruction of the alveoli, the small sacs in the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged. The damage is irreversible, which reduces lung capacity.

Unlike other respiratory diseases, COPD is preventable, as its main cause is inhalation of tobacco smoke. However, it is also associated with exposure to environmental pollutants, chemicals, and industrial dust, which can aggravate or trigger the disease.

Who is affected by COPD?

In Spain, it is estimated that around 2.5 million people suffer from COPD, making it the fourth leading cause of death in the country and the third worldwide.

This disease primarily affects people over 40, with a higher prevalence among men aged 70 to 80. However, due to the increase in female smokers in recent decades, the rate of female incidence has increased significantly, and women now represent a growing percentage of cases.

COPD also increases the risk of developing serious diseases such as lung cancer and heart disorders, among others.

Common symptoms of COPD

COPD symptoms can develop slowly and worsen over time, which can lead to delayed diagnosis. Common symptoms include:

• Chronic cough with sputum (mucus).
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea), especially during exercise or physical activity.
• Wheezing (wheezing).
• Chest tightness.
• Fatigue and a persistent feeling of tiredness.

Diagnosis

The most common test for diagnosing COPD is spirometry, a simple test that measures the amount of air entering and exiting the lungs, as well as the speed at which it is done.

This test is essential not only for diagnosis but also for assessing the progression of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment.

Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Although COPD has no cure, there are several treatments that can help reduce symptoms and improve a patient's quality of life. These include:

• Broncodilatadores inhalados: medicación que relaja y ensancha los bronquios, facilitando la respiración.
• Antibióticos: se utilizan en caso de infecciones respiratorias que pueden empeorar la EPOC.
• Antiinflamatorios: reducen la inflamación de las vías respiratorias.

For more severe cases, home respiratory therapies are used, such as:

• Oxygen therapy: Delivery of oxygen through devices to improve blood oxygen saturation.
• Noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV): A device that helps the patient breathe better when respiratory failure is more severe.

In addition to medical treatments, respiratory rehabilitation can be key to improving patients' physical and respiratory capacity. These programs include supervised exercise and education on disease management.

Healthy habits to improve quality of life

COPD patients can significantly improve their quality of life by adopting certain healthy habits. Among the most important are:

• Quit smoking: smoking is the main cause of COPD, and quitting can slow the progression of the disease.
• Regular physical activity: exercise helps maintain muscle strength and improve respiratory function.
• Good nutrition: a balanced diet is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding complications related to this disease.