Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) encompasses lung diseases that cause breathing difficulties. Any form of COPD could lead to reduced elasticity of the lungs or destruction of the walls between the many air sacs, or a situation where the walls of the airways get thickened. People who suffer from COPD complain of more mucus than average level, and their airways are mostly clogged. Let’s explore the essential factors one must consider about COPD.

Causes
Long-term exposure to irritants can damage the lungs, including second-hand smoke, chemical fumes, air pollution, and harmful dust from the workplace. In addition, if a person has a genetic predisposition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (protein deficiency), the chances of contracting COPD are much higher. Age can also cause COPD to develop slowly. Symptoms may begin to show up when the person touches 40.

Symptoms
The symptoms of COPD may not show up for a long time, and even if they do, they will range anywhere between mild and moderate signs, causing the person to mistake it for the seasonal flu or a one-time allergy attack. Symptoms become severe as the disease gets worse; some of them include a cough that produces a lot of mucus, frequent coughing, wheezing, a squeaky or whistle sound is heard while the person breathes, irregular or shortness of breath during physical activities, tightness/heaviness in the chest, low energy, and weakness in lower body/muscles leading to swollen feet or ankles or legs. In later stages of COPD, a person can also be seen losing a lot of weight even without trying.

Treatment
Bronchodilators are known to relax the muscles and open the airways in the lungs, making breathing easier for the person. They are mostly taken as inhalers and, in some instances, may contain steroids (known as combination inhalers) to reduce inflammation. Antibiotics are prescribed if the person gets a bacterial or viral infection. Corticosteroids are pretty popular in effectively handling inflammation in the airways. Roflumilast prevents flare-ups in those whose long-term COPD is linked to acute bronchitis.

Oxygen therapy is one of the most sought-after and recommended treatment methods for COPD. It is recommended to use extra oxygen all the time or at a certain point of time (as recommended by the doctor) when the COPD gets severe and is coupled with low oxygen levels.

A renowned therapy for COPD is pulmonary rehabilitation, which aims to improve the overall well-being of those who have chronic trouble with breathing. Some of the focus points of this therapy include exercise regime, disease management training, nutritional and psychological counseling.

Surgery for COPD is considered as the measure of last resort. It is advised for those who have not gotten better with the treatment options or therapy program. The surgical procedure includes a lung volume reduction surgery, which is essentially done for removing the damaged lung tissue, a bullectomy, which removes the large air spaces that are formed due to destroyed air sacs, and a lung transplant; in extreme conditions, a lung transplant is advised.

Home remedies
The following helps the person to manage their symptoms and also slows down the progression of the disease:

Air filtering
A majority of COPD-related cases across the country are due to the surrounding air. Irritants deteriorate lung function and reduce the effectiveness of any inhaled treatment option that a person uses.

Air quality at home
Irritants inside your home such as cleaning materials, pesticides, dust, pet dander, paints, and varnishes can make breathing difficult for people with COPD. Ensure to clean up your home, let fresh air come in, install a better air filtration system and wash bed linens frequently.

Practice breathing exercise
Mindful practice like breathing and observing one’s breath can improve lung capacity and help reduce COPD-related triggers.

Balanced nutrition
A healthy meal plan helps the body supply enough energy to the body’s cells. Ensure to include the right kind of food. You must also consult a nutritionist to get the best for your body type.