INTRODUCTION

It includes a group of diseases which causes obstruction to airflow. It includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Emphysema consists of destruction of air sacs in the lung. Chronic bronchitis is prolonged inflammation of the airways.

MECHANISM OF AIR EXCHANGE

The oxygen inhaled through the lungs passes through the tubes bronchi and bronchioles and reaches the air sacs(alveoli). There it diffuses through the walls of the air sac and mixes with blood for supply to all organs and removes the carbon dioxide from the blood during exhalation.

PATHOLOGY OF COPD

In COPD the walls of the air sacs become inflammed and thick and lose their elasticity. Due to the inflammation, they produce more mucus. They also lead to increased infections due to localized factors.

ETIOLOGY

The most common cause is cigarette smoking but exposure to toxic chemical fumes also causes it. Alpha-1- antitrypsin deficiency may be the genetic factor.

SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS

The person suffers from cough with mucus and difficulty breathing. There may be increased heart rate. Increase in chest infection may complicate the disease. There may be bluish spells where the colour of the lips and the tips of fingers become blue.

Detection

Diagnosis is by clinical features and spirometry.

Treatment

Treatment is by short acting bronchodilator drugs which helps in the acute symptoms. Long acting bronchodilator drugs are there for chronic disease. Bronchodilators are medicines which relax the smooth muscle of the bronchus which helps in easy breathing. Anticholinergic drugs have similar mechanism of action and cause bronchodilation. Besides steroids may be used which decrease the airways inflammation and provide relief.

SURGERY

The patient can undergo surgery in extreme cases. Surgical options include bullectomy, lung lobe resection and lung transplant.

PRECAUTIONS

Stop smoking and avoid exposure to pollutants.