We always hear people say that smokers would get COPD. What is COPD exactly? Is it true that only smokers would suffer from this? Is there any ways to prevent that?
COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a group of lung diseases that prevent proper breathing. The most common forms would be emphysema where the air sacs in the lungs are damaged, and chronic bronchitis, where there is a sustained increase of phlegm in the airway due to inflammation of the airway. Due to the damage, people with COPD would have difficulty having enough oxygen in the lung and clearing carbon dioxide.
Some of the common symptoms would be breathlessness especially after exertion, wheezing, coughing, increased phlegm and fatigue. The complications of COPD includes lung infection, collapsed lung, cardiac issues etc.
It is true that smokers are more at risk as the substances in the cigarette would lead of damage to the lungs. Nevertheless, people who are exposed to lung irritants for a long time such as chemicals , dust or air pollution could be at risk. A genetic disorder know as alpha-1-antitrysin deficiency could also trigger COPD.
Unfortunately, the damage to the lungs in COPD could not be reversed. But the good news is that we can stop it from worsening quickly. There is evidence showing that exercise is beneficial in improving lung health. It shows that exercise can help clearing the phlegm effectively to avoid infections. It also promotes gas exchange, therefore improving intake of oxygen in the body.
If you experience the symptoms above, please make sure you seek medical advice. Need help and unsure what exercise to do? Our Exercise Physiologists can help. Contact our friendly team to find out more.
Title: Lung conditions – chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Source: Better Health Channel
Read Time: 10 minutes