Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a group of lung diseases that leads to symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chronic cough, and extreme fatigue.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), COPD is the seventh leading cause of poor health and the third leading cause of death worldwide. Smoking and air pollution are among the most common causes, whereas people with a history of childhood respiratory infections, those exposed to secondhand smoke, and people who are 40 and older are at a greater risk of the condition.
For people who are already diagnosed with the condition, certain common triggers should be avoided, as they can lead to flare-ups and complications. Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Neetu Jain, Senior Consultant Pulmonologist, PSRI Hospital, New Delhi, shares tips to prevent them.
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Common Triggers Of COPD
Dr Jain describes COPD as a long-term lung condition where airflow to the lungs is obstructed.
“This means that the airways become irreversibly obstructed, making it difficult for patients to breathe,” she explains.
According to the doctor, the most significant cause of the condition is smoking, with air pollution becoming an increasingly important factor.
The WHO suggests that tobacco smoking accounts for over 70% of COPD cases in high-income countries.
Additionally, common triggers for COPD flare-ups include viral and bacterial infections. Some people have an emphysematous variant of COPD, which makes infections more common due to the pooling of secretions inside the lungs. If these secretions are not effectively cleared, it can lead to secondary infections and cause flare-ups, highlights Dr Jain.
She reiterates that exposure to smoke, air pollution, and cigarette smoke are significant triggers for COPD exacerbations. For instance, during Diwali, the increased air pollution from fireworks can lead to flare-ups in COPD patients.
Long-Term Health Risk
COPD caused 30.23 lakh deaths in 2019, according to the WHO. As per the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the condition is one of the top ten causes of death in the US.
Those living with COPD are likely to experience difficulty doing regular activities, walking or climbing stairs, or concentrating and making decisions.
Moreover, if the condition is left untreated and unmanaged, it is likely to increase the risk of other chronic health problems like asthma, heart disease, and diabetes. According to the CDC, it may also cause depression and mental health conditions.
Dr Jain says, “Long-term COPD can lead to the retention of carbon dioxide, decreasing the quality of life and causing constant drowsiness. This may require medical intervention and hospitalisation.”
Prevention And Management
To manage COPD and prevent flare-ups, it is crucial to visit your chest physician regularly, especially during seasons prone to exacerbations, advises Dr Jain.
He adds, “If your phlegm turns yellow, it indicates a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics.”
Additionally, avoid contact with people who have viral infections and minimise exposure to dust and smoke.
Many experts also recommend getting a flu vaccine, as it is a crucial step in preventing COPD flare-ups.
Moreover, patients with COPD should engage in regular exercise to build muscle and maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent complications. Unlike asthma, which is a reversible airway disease with symptom-free periods, COPD is an irreversible condition associated with hyperinflation, where the lungs become overinflated, Dr Jain concludes.