Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - a threat to the lives of tobacco users

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease characterized by a persistent disruption in the flow of airflow from the lungs. The disease is difficult to diagnose, it threatens life, makes normal breathing impossible and is not completely treated. The generally accepted terms "emphysema" and "chronic bronchitis" are no longer used in terminology - today they are included in the parameters of the diagnosis of COPD.

The most common manifestations of COPD symptoms are shortness of breath (sensation of insufficient air in the respiratory process), pathological sputum (saliva and mucus in the airway), and chronic cough. As the obstructive pulmonary disease progresses gradually, it is possible to observe a significant difficulty in daily physical activity, such as climbing the stairs or lifting and moving a heavy suitcase.

The diagnosis of "chronic obstructive pulmonary disease" is confirmed by a simple test called spirometry, which shows how much air is available when inhaling and exhaling a person and the speed of air entering and leaving the lungs. Due to the slow development of COPD, the diagnosis is most often made to people aged 40 years.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is incurable completely. A variety of methods and methods of treatment can contribute to a slight relief of symptoms and improve the quality of life of the patient. For example, medicines, which by their action expand the main airways of the lungs, facilitate dyspnoea.

In the last century, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was more common among men. But increased tobacco use by women in countries with a higher standard of living, increased risk of exposure to the body of polluted air in countries with a lower standard of living, which is why the disease affects both men and women almost equally.

Obstructive lung disease leads to death (approximately 90% of cases) in countries where the standard of living is medium and below average. In such countries, effective measures for the prevention and control of the disease are rarely or completely inaccessible.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is preventable. The main reason for its occurrence and development is inhaled tobacco smoke (including passive smokers), but there are other factors. These include:

- contaminated indoor air (for example, using a solid type of fuel during cooking);

- air pollution;

- dust and chemicals that enter the workplace (fumes, smoke, irritants);

- frequent cases of infection of the lower respiratory tract in childhood.

If urgent measures are not taken to reduce the main factors leading to the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the outlook will be disappointing: the total number of deaths from the disease in the next 10 years will increase by an average of 30%.