This term is used to describe lung disease where the breathing tubes become scarred and the surrounding tissue and air sacs inside the lungs become damaged. COPD includes conditions such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis and may very occasionally complicate chronic asthma.  COPD is a long term and sometimes fatal disease that can be halted. Smoking is the main cause of emphysema and chronic bronchitis and stopping smoking is by far the most effective treatment.

 

Chronic bronchitis is an inflammation of the main breathing tubes (bronchi) in the lungs, which results in the production of excess mucous (phlegm) and a reduction in the amount of airflow in and out of the lungs. In the early stages of chronic bronchitis, a cough usually develops (so called smokers cough). As the disease progresses, associated shortness of breath and an increased rate of chest infections may occur.

 

Emphysema is the gradual destruction of the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. The main symptom is usually breathlessness. Emphysema cannot be cured, but can be managed through medication, rehabilitation programmes and stopping smoking.

 

People with COPD have often lost half their lung function before the condition is diagnosed. The best way of picking up the condition early is to ask your doctor for a test of lung function (spirometry).

 

Investigations

You may have some of the following tests before or after your clinic appointment:

chest X-ray, lung function tests (including spirometry), CT chest.  The specialist will decide if you need any of these tests, depending on your symptoms and examination findings.

 

Treatment

There are ways to manage COPD.  The first and most important is to stop smoking if this applies to you.  There are exercises and dietary changes that can help maintain and improve fitness.  Medications, including inhalers, are often useful. If you have COPD it is a good idea to have the flu vaccination every year as this reduces episodes of bronchitis by up to 50%.

 

For more information on COPD see www.asthmanz.co.nz

 

 

COPD Support Group