DON’T IGNORE THESE SIGNS OF COPD IF YOU SMOKE!
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease of lungs and airways.In this lungs are swollen and irritated basically inflammation of the lungs.
COPD has 2 forms:
1)Chronic Bronchitis : It is caused by chronic inflammation of the lining of the bronchi(airways carrying oxygen to the lungs).
2)Emphysema :It is caused by damage to the alveoli(air sacs inside lungs which pass oxygen to the bloodstream).
What causes COPD?
1)Tobacco smoking
2)Chronic exposure to fumes,dust,polluted air
3)Household smoke
What are the symptoms of COPD you should not be ignoring?
1)Persistent feeling of breathlessness after doing some activity
2)Wheezing (whistling like sound while breathing out)
3)Excessive productive cough, consequently for 3 months at a time for 2 years.
4)Chest tightness
5)Fatigue
6)Loosing weight without meaning to
7)Swelling in feet ,ankle, legs .
If you smoke or have had a chronic exposure to fumes, dust , smoke and having any of these symptom it’s better to get it checked with your physician. Timely prevention helps in managing the disease and can help prolonging the life span.
MBH/PS