COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is a long-term lung and airway disease in which the airways become narrowed and damaged, making it difficult to breathe out air from the lungs. It usually develops slowly over many years, and many people mistake its early signs for “smoker’s cough” or ageing. Dr. Dipak Viradia, Chest Physician & Intensivist, explains what COPD is and how it can be managed.

What happens in COPD? COPD mainly includes two conditions. In chronic bronchitis, the airways stay inflamed and produce excess mucus. In emphysema, the tiny air sacs in the lungs are damaged and lose their elasticity. Both make it harder for air to flow out of the lungs, leaving the patient breathless.

Common causes. Smoking cigarettes and bidis is the leading cause. In India, long-term exposure to smoke from chulhas (wood, coal or cow-dung stoves), workplace dust and chemical fumes, air pollution, and lung damage from past tuberculosis are also important causes. That is why COPD is seen even in people, especially women, who have never smoked.

Symptoms. Breathlessness that gradually worsens, especially on walking or climbing stairs, a long-lasting cough, regular phlegm, wheezing, chest tightness and frequent chest infections. Symptoms can suddenly worsen during infections or exposure to pollution. This is called a flare-up or exacerbation.

Diagnosis. COPD is confirmed with a simple lung function test called spirometry, which measures how much and how fast you can breathe out. A chest X-ray or CT scan may be advised in some cases.

Treatment. COPD cannot be fully reversed, but it can be well controlled, and its progress can be slowed. The most important step is to stop smoking and avoid smoke. Treatment includes regular inhalers to open the airways and reduce symptoms, pulmonary rehabilitation (breathing exercises and guided physical training), flu and pneumococcal vaccination to prevent infections, and oxygen therapy for patients with low oxygen levels. Early diagnosis and regular treatment help patients stay active and avoid hospital admissions.

Dr. Dipak Viradia
Chest Physician & Intensivist | Interventional Pulmonologist & ECMO Specialist
Rudrax Chest Clinic, 301, Solaris Royce, Opp. Old RTO, Athwagate, Ring Road, Surat – 395001
Appointment: +91 75676 19985
Website: www.drdipakviradia.com