About COPD, the invisible respiratory disease is the fourth leading cause of death in our country

COPD is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The name may seem strange, but suffering from it is no exception. It is estimated that one in 10 people in the world suffers from respiratory diseases. It is currently the third leading cause of death in the world and the fourth leading cause of death in Spain.About 75% of patients in Spain are undiagnosed. This is a serious thing and it is one of the most disabling diseases that exists.

Sounds pretty generic…what’s your prediction?

I’m sure you know her, but she has another name…does it sound familiar to you? chronic bronchitis?Yes, it is like that self made Call COPD.the good news is It is a preventable and treatable respiratory disease.

This disease has two consequences: first, persistent airway obstruction, within the bronchi this may be more or less important.and ranked second Make it difficult for air to enter and escape It is characterized by a series of chronic respiratory symptoms (shortness of breath, cough, phlegm…).

What are the risk factors for COPD? Does anyone have more votes?

• first smokes. Smoking is the cause of many respiratory diseases, one of the main ones being chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• another reason is family background. The tendency to have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be inherited.
• Another reason is usually related to labor and is Exposure to dust, chemicals, gases
  . It is important to take this into account when working on jobs that may pose risks, so always take appropriate protective measures.
• they may have more vote Those who have A history of respiratory tract infections in childhood. This is why protecting children is important. We would like to take this opportunity to remember that since this year we have been offering free influenza vaccination to children aged 6 months to 5 years. We have a new vaccine, the RSV vaccine, available to all children from birth…
• There is another risk factor, e.g. Environmental tobacco smoke or biomass burning (lignite…). It’s not just the smoke that people carry with tobacco, but it’s the smoke in the environment, or if you spend a long time in a place where biomass is burning, you might be carrying smoke into your body.

Why is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) ignored?

sometimes Symptoms not taken seriously So they passed. In fact, it is also important to approach diagnosis from a gender perspective, because although COPD has not traditionally received the attention it deserves, COPD is also present in women. Currently, the missed diagnosis rate of the disease is higher in women than in men, at 80.6% and 74.6% respectively.

How to prevent COPD?

There are some obvious risk factors, so staying away from them can help us. First of all, it is obvious that Avoid breathing tobacco smoke, air pollutants in homes and workplaces, and respiratory infections. This is crucial in preventing the early development of COPD.

There is another thing we can do that is less known, if we have symptoms, that is, spirometry. A simple test to measure lung function.

How does a person know if they are experiencing symptoms that warrant a spirometry test?

Usually the doctor will order a spirometry test:

• among patients Shortness of breath During exercise or rest.
• on the person caught Frequent colds.
• in people with Chronic cough, wheezing, or phlegm production.
• in people with systemic disease (of various organs) may also affect the lungs, etc.
• in people with Asthma or COPD To see if they are responding adequately to medication that opens the bronchial tubes (bronchodilator test).
• You can also request Before surgery
  Find out what the lung capacity is for the person about to have surgery.
• Among those who have Many red blood cells (polysacculocytes) Check to see if there are any problems with your lungs.

What is spirometry?

This is a test designed to Learn how the lungs work, its capacity, and see if there is any difficulty in getting air in or out through the bronchi.in by Blow through mouthpiece One is connected to the device and the other is connected to the computer. Equipment (spirometer) Measure air volume The sound that comes from the lungs, the power and speed of it.

Do I have to go on an empty stomach?

Spirometry you don’t need to fast.patient No smoking or caffeinated beverages Within hours before completion. Patients are usually asked to stop using the inhaler 12 hours ago to see how their lungs are doing without treatment.

However, in some cases, this is not necessary, so you should ask your doctor.Some oral medications can also interfere with test results, so Doctors must know all medications What the patient is taking.

How long does it last?

Nothing, I got one the other day, it was like a guinea pig and it lasted fifteen minutes…First they will weigh and measure you as this data is very important in assessing lung function. The patient has to sit in a chair afterward; here’s the weird thing: they usually put a clamp on your nose so the air can’t escape.

For a little rehearsal, they ask you to fill your lungs with air and release it a few times.at lastThey require you to inhale a large amount of air, hold it, and then expel it suddenly. Pass through the mouthpiece quickly and steadily until there is no air in your lungs. This is usually repeated several times to see if the results are sufficient and repeatable. The test takes several minutes and does not cause any discomfort to the subject performing the test.

How is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treated?

This is a very important topic because the treatment of COPD must be Evaluated by a doctor. What we do need to know is that it is possible to manage COPD by relieving symptoms, reducing the frequency and severity of exacerbations, and increasing exercise tolerance.For the following patients Low oxygen levels, often requiring supplemental oxygen

.

Of course, it’s also important for smokers to avoid smoking and eliminate other air pollutants from the patient’s home or workplace.

Can the previous good condition be restored?

this Pulmonary rehabilitation It is part of an individualized treatment plan. The plan may include breathing strategies, energy-saving techniques… and even nutritional advice. There are also common everyday symptoms, such as a cough, for which your doctor may also consider prescribing medications. The most important thing is to consult a doctor.

Golden Tips for Fighting COPD

First, the best advice you can give to avoid COPD quit smoking If anyone continues to do this. This is the first rule.But I also want to insist that there are some things we don’t value, e.g. influenza, which can cause serious problems for people with COPD.this Get vaccinated during flu season This is beyond what is recommended.