The health experts have advised people to remain alert in winter about respiratory diseases including Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD this winter.

“Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, refers to a group of diseases that cause airflow obstruction and breathing difficulties. It includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis,” Dr. SM Abdullah Al Mamun, Senior Consultant of Respiratory Medicine at Evercare Hospital Dhaka said.

Mentioning that smoking and air pollution are the most common causes of COPD and their long-term exposure can cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, he said though the leading cause of COPD is smoking, however, 1 in 4 with COPD never smoked.

“The most common symptoms of COPD are difficulty in breathing specifically on exertion, chronic cough (sometimes with phlegm), and feeling tired. COPD symptoms can get worse quickly. These are called acute exacerbations,” the respiratory medicine expert said.

The symptoms of the COPD usually last for a few days and often require additional medicine to add like antibiotics, he said.
“People with COPD also have a higher risk for other health problems. These include lung infections, like the flu or pneumonia, lung cancer, heart problems, weak muscles and brittle bones, depression, and anxiety,” he added. 

Abdullah Al Mamun said the COPD can be diagnosed using a simple breathing test called spirometry and sometimes with a Bronchodilator.

He said treatment of COPD, comprises the steps to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life are quitting smoking, air pollutants at home and at work.

Taking medicine as per symptoms as coughing or wheezing can be treated with medicine like Bronchodilators, steroids, and antibiotics.

“Pulmonary rehabilitation, is a kind of treatment program that includes pharmacological treatment, breathing exercises, nutritional support, vaccination, and counseling targeting to improve the quality of life,” Mamun said.

Mentioning that lung infections play a main role in COPD examination and hospitalization, he said every year flu shots and pneumonia vaccines once, are especially important for people with COPD Respiratory infections should be treated with antibiotics accordingly. 

“A portable oxygen tank may be needed to provide domiciliary O2 therapy if core pulmonary or heart failure is associated,” the physician added.