Copd
There are many people who suffer from some form of lung disease. The common factor which identifies these people is that they have difficulty breathing normally. While there are many different forms of lung disease there is one which combines two separate diseases together to make life uncomfortable for the sufferer. This disease is called COPD.
While this acronym may sound silly the health issues behind it are very serious. To understand what COPD is you will need an introduction to this disease. First off you will need to understand that chronic bronchitis and emphysema are the contributors to this problem. The next instigator is that of tobacco products.
Combine these causes together and you have a breathing related health issue to deal with. Many studies indicate that while chronic bronchitis and emphysema are reasons for the disease becoming bad, it is the smoking angle which really messes your health up.
In most medical cases the effects of smoking when they combine with emphysema and chronic bronchitis cause damage to the lungs as they obstruct the airways. The alveoli – which is the air sacs – is small and balloon like in healthy people. As the lungs become infected with COPD these alveoli loses its shape and becomes floppy.
The main effects of COPD on the lungs are ones like the walls of the airways become thick and inflamed. The airways and the air sacs resemble old used rubber bands, in that they lose their elasticity. The airways become clogged with excess mucus which is produced when the airways produce more than is required.
The final issue which rears its head in COPD is that many of the walls which separate the air sacs are slowly destroyed as COPD makes its presence felt.
Since the symptoms of COPD are a long time in coming, the victim is usually in their middle ages when they begin to feel the full effects of this disease. While knowing these facts can help you in choosing a course of life which will prevent the onset of this disease, you need to understand that once COPD has been contracted there is no cure which is currently available.
The many facts which have emerged about COPD place it as being the fourth major cause of lung related illnesses and death due to breathing difficulties. Due to the nature of this lung disease it is always best to take care of your lung’s health. By taking this care you can assure yourself of having a life which is long, healthy and breathing problem free.