The Lung Disease Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a progressive lung disease that affects over sixteen million Americans, or eleven percent of the nation's population. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, causing approximately 120,000 deaths reported annually.

 

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease usually occurs after age forty, and is mainly a disease found among smokers or former smokers. COPD is especially prevalent in long-term cigarette smokers.

 

COPD is actually the end stage of other forms of lung disease. Of these, chronic bronchitis and emphysema are by far the most common. Either lung disease can cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but the majority of COPD patients suffer from both.

 

These two different types of lung disease impair lung capacity in different ways. Emphysema destroys lung tissue, while chronic bronchitis is characterized by excessive mucus production and lung tissue scarring.

 

As COPD progresses, the lungs' airways become less elastic and excess mucus accumulates. The lungs can inhale air, but the airways collapse when air is expelled, trapping stale, or "dead," air in the lungs. Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, worsens as the disease advances. A persistent wet cough develops, moving large amounts of sputum. In some cases, COPD is accompanied by asthmatic wheezing.

In the United States an estimated two to three percent of the population suffers from chronic bronchitis. Unlike acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis is not caused by a viral infection. Chronic bronchitis is a mucus-producing cough that cannot be attributed to existing health conditions and that occurs for at least three months per year for two consecutive years. Sufferers may also experience fatigue, headaches and wheezing among other symptoms. Chronic bronchitis puts one at risk for pneumonia and other lung diseases; long-term symptoms increase the risk of heart disease.

Emphysema destroys the walls of the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lungs responsible for oxygen and carbon dioxide transfer. As the alveoli are destroyed it become progressively more difficult to breathe. Large sacs (bulla) appear in their place making exhaling difficult. The stale air is trapped further hindering lung function and the supply of oxygen to the blood. Reduced oxygen causes a bluish tint (called cyanosis) to lips, mucous membranes (i.e., gums), and nail beds. While the lung damage due to emphysema is irreversible, symptomatic treatment can improve quality of life.

The type of treatment you receive will depend on the type of lung disease, its severity and the impact on your daily living. Treatments range from physical therapy, breathing exercises and medication to the controversial bullectomy and lung volume reduction surgery. Having a feel for all the treatment options available can help facilitate an easier discussion between you and your doctor.