11 March 2019 Author : Sofia Tello Furtado COPD involves persistent respiratory complaints and limited flow or air in the airways. It is a common disease that is treatable and can be prevented. Nonetheless, it is still one of the main causes of lower quality of life and mortality worldwide. The impact of COPD is also expected to increase in coming decades due to constant exposure to risk factors and the ageing population. What are the risk factors for COPD? Smoking is the main risk factor for COPD, though the following factors also pose a risk for developing the disease: Pollution; Exposure to polluting gases, dust and chemical products at work. Hereditary factors resulting from a rare disease (Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency) are responsible for a small number of cases. What are the symptoms of COPD? COPD patients experience progressive respiratory problems , such as: Wheezing; Tight chest; Dry or productive cough that the patient often puts down to smoking; Shortness of breath and tiredness that progressively reduce physical activity. This reduction starts with major effort, such as climbing stairs or a walking uphill and later affects small effort, such as walking, bathing, talking or eating. In more advanced stages of the disease, the following symptoms may occur: Anxiety; Loss of appetite; Weight loss. Does COPD have complications? Patients with this disease may experience a number of complications , such as: Exacerbation of usual symptoms that cause the patient to seek medical attention and speed up the progression of the disease; Higher susceptibility to infections, in which respiratory infections are the main cause of exacerbation; Chronic respiratory failure requiring the use oxygen and/or ventilators; Inability to work or lead a normal life; Premature death. How is COPD diagnosed? Diagnosis of COPD is based on symptoms in smokers and patients whose work or environment exposes them to: Smoke; Gases; Dust; Polluting chemicals. The narrowing of the airways is also confirmed with a pulmonary function test , which measures the amount of air exhaled (spirometry). Is COPD treatable? Treatment of COPD depends on the symptoms and severity of the disease. So: Giving up smoking is the best way to avoid the disease or its progression and it also improves patients’ quality of life; Many patients do not need daily treatment and are only treated in periods of deterioration of the disease. Patients with daily symptoms need daily inhalation therapy to reduce obstruction and inflammation of the airways; A sedentary lifestyle, limitations on exercise and shortness of breath are minimised in respiratory rehabilitation programmes; In more severe cases of the disease, blood oxygen levels may fall and patients may need oxygen therapy and/or non-invasive ventilation at home and when walking; All COPD patients must be vaccinated against the flu and pneumococcal infections. How can it be prevented? The following patients see a pulmonologist to screen for COPD if they have symptoms like expectoration and dyspnoea (breathlessness): Aged over 40; Smokers; Exposure to vapours or dusts that affect the respiratory system. The best ways to control progression of the disease are: Early diagnosis; Appropriate medical monitoring; Giving up smoking; Changes in daily habits. You can find pulmonologists specialising in COPD and undergo the tests you need at hospitals and clinics in the Hospital da Luz network. Meet the pulmonology team from Hospital da Luz. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
