COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder) is a disorder of the lungs which is commonly known as smokers cough. A COPD patient generally experiences breathlessness followed by bouts of deep cough every 15 to 20 minutes. COPD gradually develops when the cilia of the lungs get damaged.
Cilia are hair like structures lining the inner part of the windpipe or bronchus. The main function of the cilia is to push the secretions which contain impurities from the air towards the throat so that it gets involuntarily pushed into the stomach where the acids in the stomach kill the pathogens. This is medically termed as expectoration process.
The damaged cilia will become incapable in carrying the entire secretions towards the throat, thereby pushing a certain amount of secretions down the lungs thus triggering the reflux cough.
Ciliary damage occurs primarily because of tobacco smoking, inhalation of fumes generated from furnaces, welding machines, certain chemicals, heavy pollution etc. Age related and chronic asthma leading to COPD has been rarely recorded.
The ciliary damage caused is irreversible, however the condition of the patient can be effectively managed by inhaled medications.
Well managed COPD, will not progress further into severe lung conditions, pulmonary edema, lung disease, or further lung damage.
Who are at Risk:
People who are chronic smokers, people inhaling dangerous fumes generated from chemicals, welding machines, furnaces, oil fumes, petrol fumes, and people inhaling heavy polluted air etc.
What to watch:
If you belong to the category of people who are at risk of acquiring COPD, you should watch out for the indications below.
Deep cough every 15 to 20 minutes with discharge of mucus
Difficulty in breathing followed by fatigue and tightness in the chest during climbing stairs or exercising etc.
If you experience the above symptoms consult our Doctor at the earliest.