Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a lung disorder that affects breathing and respiratory functions among adults. The condition has no cure, but it can be managed with early diagnosis, treatment, and preventive measures to manage flare-ups. COPD is one of the leading causes of respiratory failure in the country, with the condition being more prevalent among women than men. Here is a comprehensive overview of known risk factors, potential causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Known causes and risk factors

Pollution
External pollutants are the number one triggers of respiratory illnesses in urban areas, as citizens are exposed to toxic air throughout the day. Industrial pollution, workplace hazards, occupational exposure, and even secondhand exposure to any type of pollution is harmful to those who already have a history of respiratory ailments. Smog, lawn fertilizers, exhaust fumes, pollen, insecticides, extreme changes in temperature, humidity, and travel to high altitudes are also common risk factors for COPD.

Allergens
Indoor and outdoor allergens are also the main triggers of respiratory complications like COPD. These can be anything, including exhaust from stoves or fireplaces, cooking odors, paint fumes, chemical solvents used for cleaning products, and even pet dander. Dust, mold, mildew, and dust mites that accumulate around the house are also serious risk allergens.

Chronic health complications
Existing health problems also increases the risk among older people as their immunity is already compromised. Asthma is one of the riskiest factors for triggering common respiratory failures. Persistent viral and bacterial lung infections pose a threat among older adults as their lung capacity diminishes over time. Additionally, certain genetic disorders have been linked to the development of COPD, but such cases are rare. The risk of deficiencies that can trigger symptoms is also high among females and adults over the age of 45.

Understanding the symptoms
COPD exhibits symptoms that may overlap the signs observed in similar respiratory conditions. Here are the common ones to keep an eye out for.

Breathing difficulties
Shortness of breath is one of the early and most common symptoms that can be triggered after mild exercise or activity.

Chronic cough
This is a persistent cough that may flare up multiple times throughout the day, coupled with the urge to constantly clear out one’s throat. Chronic cough can also develop in the advanced stages but produces no mucus.

Wheezing
As the lung tissue takes more damage, wheezing with a low whistling sound is one of the more obvious signs of a developing COPD condition.

Chest discomfort
Experiencing chest tightness, especially while wheezing or breathing heavily, is a sign of tissue damage.

Common infections
Frequent colds, flu, or other respiratory infections are also a sign of worsening symptoms.

Fatigue
Lack of energy during the day and experiencing sudden extreme fatigue are also signs of advanced stages of COPD.

Physical changes
Unexpected weight loss and suspicious swelling in the ankles, feet, or throughout the legs also indicate respiratory problems.

Diagnosis and treatment options
COPD is one of the most commonly misdiagnosed respiratory conditions due to multiple symptoms overlapping other known health complications. However, pulmonary specialists recommend the following tests to properly diagnose the stage and extent of the condition.

Function tests
A pulmonary function test or spirometry measures lung capacity and function to understand the severity of the respiratory failure.

Bronchodilator reversibility test
In addition, doctors also suggest a bronchodilator reversibility test to get a baseline reading of the lung function combined with spirometry tests as the process is repeated a few times.

Blood test
Blood tests further help doctors determine the causes and narrow down possible triggers that can worsen the condition going forward.

Genetic examinations
Additional genetic testing can be done to determine if there is a deficiency risk of proteins that protect the lungs from inflammation.

Imaging tests
Imaging tests, including a Computed Tomography Scan, Chest X-Ray, and Electrocardiogram, are done to assess if there are any underlying lung and cardio problems.

Sputum examination
For those who have a chronic cough, doctors may also order a detailed sputum exam to see if there are any identifying markers in the secretion.

Treatment includes a combination of prescriptions given to ease breathing difficulties. These prescriptions usually counter the symptoms of coughing and wheezing along with any respiratory discomforts that may develop stage-wise. The next step is to explore pulmonary rehabilitation lifestyle changes to help one breathe better, conserve energy, make changes in daily nutrition, and even explore therapies for support. Preventive measures like taking the appropriate vaccinations for flu and other serious infectious diseases are helpful. Surgery is recommended only in the most severe cases where preventive and rehabilitative therapies with active prescriptions fail to produce the desired outcome.

Note that COPD develops and progresses different for each patient depending upon the current stage. At any point if discomfits persist, immediate attention from a healthcare professional is advisable for early diagnosis and treatment.