What is COPD and how is it caused?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease that causes obstruction in the airflow from the lungs which means it causes severe breathing issues. It is a serious condition that might be life threatening in many cases. The person who suffers from COPD faces problems such as cough, mucus (sputum) production and wheezing. COPD might be caused by long term exposure to toxic gasses, particulate matter, dust, smoke, cigarette; tar might lead to risk of having a heart disease, or a life threatening disease such as lung cancer. In the worst case scenario one might also require a lung transplant that a person can do from the top Lung transplant hospitals in India. But going for a transplant is a complex procedure and requires a lot of waiting for the donor lungs. Further, it is necessary that the body accepts the donor lungs to avoid rejection and self harm.

Generally, the air sacs or the air pathway in our lungs are elastic and flexible so whenever we breathe the air sacs expands and absorbs most of the air just like it happens in a balloon and while we breathe out these air sacs deflate and the air goes out but in the case of COPD very less amount of air flows in and out of the air pathways or the air sacs that causes severe breathing issues such as

·       Wall between the air sac get destroyed

·       Two balls of the Airways become thick and inflamed

·       Airway and air sacs becomes less elastic

·       Airways make more mucus unusual that causes of traction in breathing and one might also get clogged

COPD is a very progressive disease and it gets worse over time. It requires immediate medical attention since it is treatable and with proper medications and management of the symptoms one can achieve control over breathing and have a good quality of life with reduced risk of other diseases that come along.

What are the types of COPD?

They are two most common conditions that contribute to COPD, the two conditions usually occur together but it is very harmful and depends upon the severity of the individual that is suffering with COPD.

Emphysema: It is a condition in which the air sacs in the lungs and walls between them get affected greatly as they get damaged and become less elastic. In this even the smallest air passages that are the bronchioles gets destroyed and damaged due to the exposure of cigarette smoke and other particulate matter or toxic gasses.

Chronic bronchitis: In this condition the airways are constantly inflamed and irritated that causes the inner lining to swell and produce mucus. The bronchial tubes help in carrying air to the lungs and the alveoli sacs. It causes wheezing cough and difficulty in breathing since the amount of mucus produced is so immense that it obstructs the air pathway.

What are the risk factors associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD?

Every disease has some risk factors associated with it that includes:

Smoking: Smoking is one of the main factors that causes COPD or breathing related issues and over 75% of people who have COPD used to smoke this shows how dangerous smoking might be.

Age: People over the age of 40 years old developed the symptoms of having COPD.

Exposure to lung irritants: Passive smoking, air pollution, chemical fumes, dust and environmental pollution, exposure to radon and long exposure to toxic gasses might cause COPD and other lung related diseases that might require Lung transplant treatment in India.

Asthma: It is the most common lung disease that occurs and it might be the sign of developing COPD for the people who have asthma are at greater risk of having it.

Genetic factor: People who have a family history of having or lung diseases are often at a higher risk of having COPD.

Exposure to fumes: Burning fuel in developing countries, burning of fuel for cooking, heating or burning waste products often causes huge amounts of smoke that gets inhaled and might be a risk factor in developing COPD.

What are the Symptoms?

Symptoms don’t appear initially but after the significant damage the symptoms starts to appear and gets worsen over the time. Some of the signs and symptoms might include:

·       Wheezing

·       Chest tightness

·       Chest pain

·       Heavy breathing issue

·       Breathlessness

·       Swelling in ankles feet on legs

·       Fatigue

·       Chronic cough that mucus

·       Frequent respiratory disorders

·       Asthma attack

How can we help?

In case you are diagnosed with Lung disease or COPD, we will connect you with the best doctors and specialized surgeons who have years of experience in providing the best treatment with affordable Lung transplant cost in India. Our team will provide you with step by step guidance and support throughout your treatment by connecting you to the top Lung transplant hospitals in India. We will also provide:

·       Specialized Doctors

·       24*7 assistance

·       Follow up consultations

·       Coordinated care and support

·       Medical travel arrangement

·       Assist all your queries

·       Transparent communication

·       Assist in accommodation

·       Provide trained healthcare experts