Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a general term that includes several so-called disease (chronic bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema, chronic obstructive airway disease, etc.) but which in fact is it's the same problem views . It is a chronic disease, slow progression, characterized by airway obstruction (blocking air flow). The main cause is the kapnisma.Oso greater the exposure to cigarette smoke (many cigarettes per day and smoking years) the greater the risk for development of nosou.Apotelei one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide.

SYMPTOMS

Depend on the severity of the disease

In mild form, the only symptom is usually the so-called "tsigarovichas.

In moderate form, except the cough may have increased expectoration and low degree of dyspnea and / or wheezing and fatigue.

In severe form, have frequent episodes of coughing and wheezing and shortness of breath that can be devoted to rest and also cyanosis, peripheral edema.

DIAGNOSIS

The diagnosis is usually made of the same symptoms, and demonstrated by spirometry.

So when the FEV1 is less than 80% predicted and ratio FEV1/VC less than 70% predicted mean there obstruction aeragogous.I the severity of the disease is determined by the value of FEV1:

* Mild COPD when the FEV1 is 60-80% predicted
* Moderate COPD when the FEV1 is 40-59% predicted
* Severe COPD when the FEV1 is less than 40% predicted

THERAPY

a.mi pharmaceutical

* The most important thing is to stop smoking