COPD, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is a condition that ranks among the top three causes of death worldwide, notes Dr. Olivia Sánchez Cabral, interventional pulmonology specialist at ABC Medical Center, though it’s important to note that it’s both preventable and treatable.
The World Health Organization reports that in 2019, COPD caused 3.23 million deaths, 90% of which occurred in people under age 70.
This condition affects both the airways and the lungs and is primarily characterized by airflow obstruction. COPD typically presents with shortness of breath, wheezing, a high-pitched sound heard while breathing, coughing (with or without phlegm), fatigue, and chest tightness.
The presence of other conditions can worsen COPD symptoms, including cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal issues, malnutrition, osteoporosis, depression, or anxiety, among others.
Smoking is the leading cause of COPD, although regular exposure to smoke, fumes, or other chemical substances can also trigger the condition; in a smaller number of cases, COPD can also have a genetic origin.
Once diagnosed, notes Dr. Sánchez, patients can receive different treatments aimed at reducing symptoms, as well as their frequency and severity.
On one hand, pharmacological therapy uses medication to improve the patient’s quality of life and help them carry out daily activities more effectively.
On the other hand, non-pharmacological therapies focus on pulmonary and physical rehabilitation.
Patients who smoke will also need to quit, along with making other lifestyle changes, to change the natural course of the disease.
Beyond treatment, vaccination is a valuable tool for people living with COPD; for this reason, it’s very important to stay up to date on the COVID-19, flu, and pneumococcal vaccines. The shingles vaccine is also recommended for patients over 50.
COPD is a fairly common condition that’s both preventable and treatable, but achieving this requires seeking care as soon as symptoms begin to appear.
At ABC Medical Center’s Internal Medicine area, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
