Is COPD treatable and what are its symptoms? Learn the answers to these questions from your doctor.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Breathing is fundamental to life, but when shortness of breath and wheezing in the chest begin, it could be a sign of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD Symptoms). COPD is a serious lung disease, awareness of which is crucial. Therefore, World COPD Day is celebrated every year on the third Wednesday of November.

Is COPD curable?

No, COPD is not completely curable. It is a progressive disease, meaning that if left untreated, its symptoms usually worsen over time. The lung damage caused by this disease is permanent.

However, COPD is manageable. This means that with the right treatment and lifestyle changes, its symptoms can be managed and the patient's quality of life can be improved.

What are the causes of COPD? 

COPD is mainly caused by narrowing of the air passages in the lungs and damage to the small sacs present in the lungs. 

• Smoking is the most important cause of COPD. Those who smoke cigarettes, bidis, or hookahs are at the highest risk. It directly damages lung tissue.
• Air pollution – Breathing polluted air for a long time can also damage the lungs. 
• Household air pollution – Smoke from cooking on wood, coal or cow dung stoves in rural areas is becoming a major cause of COPD, especially in women.
• People who come in contact with metal and mining industries – cement, coal, cotton dust or chemicals are also at risk of this disease.
• Genetic causes – In some cases, a deficiency of a protein called alpha-1 antitrypsin can also cause COPD, even if the person does not smoke.

What are the symptoms of COPD? 

The symptoms of COPD are mild in the beginning and gradually become severe.

• Chronic cough – This cough is persistent and often accompanied by mucus. Many people dismiss it as a common cold.
• Shortness of breath: Initially, shortness of breath occurs when climbing stairs or walking fast, but as the disease progresses, difficulty in breathing starts occurring even while resting.
• Wheezing in the chest – Whistling sound coming from the chest while breathing in or out.
• Chest tightness – feeling as if something heavy is placed on the chest.

Additionally, patients may experience fatigue, weight loss, and exacerbations. An exacerbation refers to a sudden and rapid worsening of symptoms, often triggered by an infection or contamination. This condition can be serious and requires immediate medical attention.

Read More: Pregnancy Air Pollution Risk: Pregnant women should avoid these activities during 400+ AQI as it can have adverse effects on the baby.