What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?1,2
COPD includes lung and airway conditions that hinder breathing, primarily due to airway inflammation and damage to lung tissue.1 Both emphysema and chronic bronchitis are types of COPD.1
Early Warning Signs of COPD
Difficulty breathing3
Coughing up sputum
(mucus or phlegm)3
Wheezing or a feeling of tightness in the chest3
Early Warning Signs
Frequent lung infections 3,4
Lack of energy or feeling very tired 3,4
Fever 4
Difficulty breathing3
Coughing up sputum
(mucus or phlegm)3
Wheezing or a feeling of tightness in the chest3
Fever 4
Frequent lung infections 3,4
Lack of energy or feeling very tired 3,4
Do’s and Don’ts of COPD
Breathe right: Conserve energy; do relaxation techniques, if breathless5
Do physical activity: Regularly exercise to boost respiratory muscle function5
Clear mucous out: With controlled coughing and use a humidifier5
Healthy eating: Maintain a balanced diet; seek nutritional advice5
Don't smoke: Stop smoking and avoid passive smoking5,6
Don't inhale irritants: Avoid pollution, and known triggers5
What are the tests for diagnosis of COPD?7
Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) - Spirometry to check for COPD
Chest X-ray
CT scan
Testing for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
What are the treatments for COPD?8
The primary goals of COPD treatment are to prevent subsequent respiratory infections and to alleviate symptoms including coughing and breathing difficulties.
Bronchodilators
Anti-inflammatory medications
Antibiotics
Supplemental oxygen
Pulmonary rehabilitation
Expectorants
Bronchodilators
Supplemental oxygen
Anti-inflammatory medications
Pulmonary rehabilitation
Antibiotics
Expectorants
References:
1. Cleveland Clinic. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8709-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd Accessed on 25 February 2025.
2. Emphysema. Available at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9370-emphysema. Accessed on 25 February 2025.
3. American Lung Association. Early warning signs of COPD. www.lung.org. 2023. Available from: https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd/symptoms-diagnosis/early-warning-signs Accessed on25 February 2025.
4. Mayo Clinic. COPD. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/symptoms-causes/syc-20353679 Accessed on 25 February 2025.
5. Mayo Clinic. COPD – Diagnosis and Treatment. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353685. Accessed on 25 February 2025.
6. American Lung Association. Early warning signs of COPD. www.lung.org. 2023. Available from: https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd/symptoms-diagnosis/early-warning-signs Accessed on 25 February 2025.
7. 6 tips for living with COPD. Available from: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/6-tips-for-living-with-copd Accessed on 18 October 2024.
8. 6 tips for living with COPD. Available from: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/6-tips-for-living-with-copd Accessed on 18 October 2024.
9. Uptodate. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (The Basics). Available from: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd-the-basics?topicRef=4647&source=see_link