What is COPD?

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a long-term lung condition in which airflow becomes limited and breathing becomes difficult over time.

It may manifest as:

• Chronic bronchitis (long-standing cough with phlegm)
• Emphysema (damage to air sacs in the lungs)

COPD is a chronic lung condition. And while established COPD cannot usually be reversed, appropriate treatment, smoking cessation, physical activity, vaccinations and Pulmonary Rehabilitation can reduce symptoms, lower the risk of exacerbations and improve quality of life.

🚬 Risk factors and Contributors to COPD

📌 Common Symptoms

Common symptoms that one may becuase of COPD include:

• Shortness of breath (especially on walking)
• Chronic cough
• Phlegm / sputum
• Wheezing
• Frequent chest infections
• Tiredness

Symptoms often worsen gradually, which is why many patients ignore them early.

Also remember that these are non-specific symptoms and may be caused by other diseases as well. That is why you may want to visit the clinic before you have a final diagnosis.

🔥 What Makes COPD Worse?

Even when you have COPD, these triggers can make it worse, even may require hospital admissions.

• Smoking or second-hand smoke
• Respiratory infections
• Cold weather
• Air pollution
• Skipping inhalers
• Improper inhaler technique

So, do your best to avoid all of the above.

💊 Treatment Basics

COPD cannot be cured, but it can be controlled.

Treatment usually includes:

✔ Inhalers to open airways

✔ Regular daily medicines

✔ Vaccinations (flu, pneumonia) - Set yearly reminders for October

✔ Pulmonary rehabilitation / exercise - visit physiotherapist

✔ Oxygen therapy (in advanced cases)

👉 Medicines work best only if inhalers are used correctly.

Inhaler Technique

All 1st line medication in COPD are usually delivered through the inhalational route. Mastering the technique of the inhaler prescribed to you is one of the most important step you can take to control your asthma. I hope to have similar videos on every type of inhaler soon on my portal for your convenience.

How to use a metered-dose inhaler

A step-by-step video showing how to use a metered-dose inhaler correctly. Good inhaler technique helps ensure that your medicine reaches your lungs properly. q How to use a metered dose inhaler - (pump, inhaler) - by American Lung Association

How to use an inhaler with a spacer

Learn how to use a metered-dose inhaler together with a spacer (valved holding chamber). A spacer can make it easier to inhale the medicine correctly and help more of the medicine reach your lungs.

How to use a metered dose inhaler with a valve holding chamber - (Spacer, bottle) - by American Lung Association

Nebulizer - use and care

A nebulizer is a machine used to generate aerosols for facilitated delivery of medicine straight to the lungs. If you have been prescribed a nebulizer either in regular usage or as per requirement needs, you would surely benefit from this guide by the European Lung Foundation.

Nebuliser and inhaler guide - European Lung Foundation

This video guide by American Lung Association (ALA) is also a good guide for first time users.

How to properly use a nebulizer - by American Lung Association

ALA also has a video on how to clean your nebulizer regularly. A nebulizer never cleaned can accumulate germs that may pass into the lungs with the aerosol.

How to clean the nebulizer - by American Lung Association

Prevention of Exacerbations

Exacerbations can be prevented by

1. Avoiding triggers
2. Avoiding air pollution
3. Timely vaccinationsw

Keep an eye on AQI

<div name="airvisual_widget" key="6a643d802a5d3d8e6a6bade4"></div>

    <script type="text/javascript" src="https://cdn.airvisual.net/assets/widgets/widget_v3.0.js"></script>

Poor air quality can irritate your lungs and make breathing problems worse, especially if you have asthma, COPD, allergies, or other respiratory conditions.

1. 🏠 Stay indoors as much as possible, especially during the hottest part of the day.
2. 🚶 Avoid strenuous outdoor activities such as jogging, cycling, or heavy exercise.
3. 🚪 Keep windows and doors closed if outdoor air quality is poor.
4. 😷 If you must go outside, consider wearing a well-fitting N95 or KN95 mask, particularly during smoke or severe pollution events
5. 💊 Continue taking your prescribed inhalers and medications. Do not stop them because you feel well
6. 💨 Keep your reliever inhaler with you.
7. 🚭 Avoid smoking, second-hand smoke, and burning wood or rubbish, which further worsen indoor air quality
8. 🚗 If travelling, use your vehicle’s recirculation mode when driving through heavy traffic.
9. 🚨 Seek medical attention promptly if you develop severe breathlessness, chest pain, blue lips, confusion, or if your reliever inhaler is not providing the usual relief.

UNDERSTANDING THE AIR QUALITY INDEX (AQI)

🟢 Good (0–50): Outdoor activities are generally safe. 🟡 Moderate (51–100): Most people can continue normal activities. Sensitive individuals should monitor symptoms. 🟠 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101–150): People with asthma, COPD, heart disease, older adults, pregnant women, and young children should reduce prolonged outdoor activity. 🔴 Unhealthy (151–200): Everyone should limit prolonged outdoor exertion. People with lung disease should stay indoors whenever possible. 🟣 Very Unhealthy (201–300): Avoid outdoor activities. Keep windows closed and follow your doctor’s advice. 🟤 Hazardous (301+): Remain indoors if possible, avoid all outdoor exertion, and follow local public health advice.

📚 Learn more about COPD

Other reliable organisations also have resources for people with COPD. Further reading and learning can be pursued by visiting their websites. Following are resources accumulated from the internet for further reading.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)|Symptoms & Treatment|ELF

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Asthma + Lung UK