What factors influence the life expectancy of individuals with COPD? Explore the complexities of this chronic lung disease and discover how early diagnosis, treatment, and lifestyle changes can impact the prognosis.

Understanding the Stages of COPD

COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is a complex condition with varying levels of severity. Doctors use the GOLD (Global Initiative on Obstructive Lung Disease) system to classify COPD into four stages based on the individual’s forced expiratory volume (FEV1) test results. The stages range from mild (GOLD 1) to very severe (GOLD 4), with the higher stages indicating a more severe form of the disease.

The Impact of Smoking on COPD Life Expectancy

Smoking is the leading cause of COPD, and it significantly impacts life expectancy for those diagnosed with the condition. Studies have shown that the life expectancy for individuals with COPD who are current or former smokers can be significantly lower than those who have never smoked. The reduction in life expectancy can range from 0.3 years in Stage 1 COPD to 5.8 years in Stage 3 and 4 COPD.

Measuring Life Expectancy with the BODE Index

In addition to the GOLD system, doctors also use the BODE Index to assess an individual’s life expectancy with COPD. The BODE Index takes into account four factors: Body mass, Airflow obstruction, Dyspnea (shortness of breath), and Exercise capacity. The higher the BODE score, the greater the risk of mortality from COPD, making this index a more accurate predictor of life expectancy than the FEV1 score alone.

The Role of Medication and Oxygen Therapy

While there is no cure for COPD, various medications and treatments can help manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Bronchodilators and corticosteroids can help open the airways and control flare-ups, while supplemental oxygen therapy can be prescribed for individuals with low oxygen levels. These interventions can play a crucial role in improving the quality of life and potentially extending the life expectancy of individuals with COPD.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Access to Care

Early diagnosis of COPD is crucial, as it can greatly improve the individual’s life expectancy. Unfortunately, many people with COPD go undiagnosed for years, as they may attribute their symptoms to other factors such as being overweight or out of shape. Ensuring access to healthcare and proper diagnostic testing is essential for identifying COPD early and implementing the appropriate treatment and management strategies.

Lifestyle Changes to Improve COPD Outcomes

In addition to medical interventions, lifestyle changes can also have a significant impact on the life expectancy of individuals with COPD. Quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and engaging in regular exercise can all contribute to improved outcomes and potentially extend the life expectancy of those living with this chronic lung disease.

Factors Influencing COPD Prognosis

Several factors can influence the prognosis and life expectancy of individuals with COPD, including the severity of the disease, the presence of comorbidities (such as heart disease or diabetes), age, gender, and socioeconomic status. Understanding these factors is crucial for healthcare providers to develop tailored treatment plans and support the unique needs of each COPD patient.

The life expectancy for someone with COPD can vary greatly depending on the individual’s circumstances. While COPD is a serious and progressive condition, it is not a death sentence. With early diagnosis, proper treatment, and lifestyle modifications, many individuals with COPD can live well into their 70s, 80s, or even 90s. However, it’s important to note that the severity of the disease, the presence of comorbidities, and the individual’s access to healthcare can all significantly impact their prognosis.

One of the key factors in determining life expectancy is the stage of COPD at the time of diagnosis. Individuals with mild COPD (GOLD 1) generally have a better prognosis than those with severe or very severe COPD (GOLD 3 or 4). Smoking is another crucial factor, as current and former smokers with COPD have a much greater reduction in life expectancy compared to those who have never smoked.

The BODE Index, which considers factors such as body mass, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise capacity, is also a reliable predictor of life expectancy. A higher BODE score indicates a greater risk of mortality, making this index a more comprehensive tool for assessing the prognosis of COPD patients.

While there are currently no medications that can cure COPD, various treatments can help manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Bronchodilators and corticosteroids can help open the airways and control flare-ups, while supplemental oxygen therapy can be prescribed for individuals with low oxygen levels. These interventions, along with access to comprehensive healthcare, can play a vital role in improving the quality of life and potentially extending the life expectancy of those living with COPD.

Early diagnosis is also crucial, as many individuals with COPD go undiagnosed for years. By identifying the condition early and implementing appropriate treatment and management strategies, healthcare providers can help improve the prognosis and life expectancy of COPD patients.

In addition to medical interventions, lifestyle changes can also have a significant impact on the life expectancy of individuals with COPD. Quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and engaging in regular exercise can all contribute to improved outcomes and potentially extend the life expectancy of those living with this chronic lung disease.

It’s important to note that the prognosis and life expectancy of COPD patients can also be influenced by other factors, such as the presence of comorbidities, age, gender, and socioeconomic status. Understanding these factors is essential for healthcare providers to develop tailored treatment plans and support the unique needs of each COPD patient.

In conclusion, the life expectancy for someone with COPD can vary greatly, but with early diagnosis, proper treatment, and lifestyle modifications, many individuals can live well into their later years. By understanding the complexities of this chronic lung disease and the factors that influence its prognosis, healthcare providers and patients can work together to develop effective strategies for managing COPD and improving the overall quality of life for those affected by this condition.

COPD: What’s My Life Expectancy?

Written by Kathryn Whitbourne

• COPD Severity and Life Expectancy
• Symptoms and Severity
• Smoking Plays a Role
• The BODE Index
• Can Medication Help?
• Early Diagnosis Can Make a Difference
• Make Lifestyle Changes
• More

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to predicting someone’s life span with COPD. A lot depends on your age, health, lifestyle, and how severe the disease was when you were diagnosed, plus the steps you’ve taken to lessen the damage afterward.

“COPD is a disease with a lot of moving parts,” says Albert A. Rizzo, MD, chief medical officer for the American Lung Association. “It’s not a death sentence by any means. Many people will live into their 70s, 80s, or 90s with COPD.”

But that’s more likely, he says, if your case is mild and you don’t have other health problems like heart disease or diabetes. Some people die earlier as a result of complications like pneumonia or respiratory failure.

Doctors use a classification system called the Global Initiative on Obstructive Lung Disease (or GOLD) system to determine how severe your COPD is. It’s based on how much air you can forcefully exhale in 1 second after blowing into a plastic tube called a spirometer. You’ll also hear this called a forced expiratory volume (FEV1) test.

The classifications are based on results for an adult your same age, gender, and ethnic group but without COPD. So if your airflow was 80% of someone’s airflow who doesn’t have COPD, you’d be at GOLD or Stage 1. There four stages:

• GOLD 1: Mild COPD (FEV1 of 80% or more)
• GOLD 2: Moderate COPD (FEV1 50%-79%)
• GOLD 3: Severe emphysema/chronic bronchitis (FEV1 30%-49%)
• GOLD 4: Very severe COPD (FEV1 less than 30%)

In general, the higher your number on the GOLD system, the more likely you are to have problems with or even die from COPD.

Do you have trouble breathing? Have you been hospitalized for COPD flare-ups, which doctors call exacerbations? Doctors look at your symptoms and put you in one of four categories, A-D. The most serious would be GOLD D (high symptom severity and high exacerbation risk).

Smoking is the leading cause of COPD. One study found a small drop in life expectancy (about 1 year) for people with COPD who had never smoked. But there was a much larger reduction for current and former smokers. For men age 65 who smoke, the drop in life expectancy is:

• Stage 1: 0.3 years
• Stage 2: 2.2 years
• Stage 3: 5.8 years
• Stage 4: 5.8 years

This is in addition to the 3.5 years of life all smokers, whether they have COPD or not, lose to the habit.

The same study also found that women who were current smokers and at Stage 2 lost about 5 years of their lives at Stage 3 and 9 years of their lives at Stage 4.

Another system doctors use to measure life expectancy with COPD is the BODE Index, which stands for:

• Body mass: Are you obese or overweight?
• Airflow obstruction: How much air can you forcefully exhale from your lungs in 1 second (the FEV1 test).
• Dyspnea: How hard is it to breathe?
• Exercise capacity: How far can you walk in 6 minutes?

The higher your BODE score, the greater your risk for death from COPD. This test is considered more accurate than just the FEV1 score.

Right now there aren’t any medicines that cure COPD. “We are still looking for drugs that can slow down the disease process itself and reverse inflammation in the airways,” Rizzo says. But there are bronchodilators (medications usually taken through inhalers) that can open your airways and improve shortness of breath.

Corticosteroids can help control flare-ups. That’s important because more COPD hospitalizations are linked to a higher likelihood of death.

If you’re constantly low on oxygen, your doctor might prescribe supplemental oxygen. You’ll get a device you can take with you anywhere to help you breathe.

And you have to have access to care in the first place. Rizzo says more studies are looking at COPD in terms of gender, age, and socioeconomic status. Someone with COPD who doesn’t have access to health care and doesn’t have insurance is more likely to have complications and die early, even if their diagnosis is the same as someone from a higher income level.

An early diagnosis can also greatly improve your life expectancy. “Probably half the people with COPD had the disease for a number of years before they were diagnosed,” Rizzo says. “They didn’t bring it to the attention of their physician because they thought the cough and the shortness of breath were related to being overweight, out of shape, and still smoking.”

Also, doctors have to diagnose COPD correctly by ordering the right tests, he says.

Rizzo also points to studies under way figure out why some people are more likely to get COPD than others. A study started this year by the National Institutes of Health and supported by the American Lung Association will look at lung function in 25-35-year-olds (lung function reaches its peak in the mid-20s) and figure out what changes over the course of their lifetime. “We want to notice when an individual develops findings of COPD, what may have led to it, and what we can learn from that to improve survival,” he says.

While there isn’t a drug to take care of COPD, there are many lifestyle changes you can make that will slow disease progression and improve your chances of living a longer life. You can:

• Quit smoking. It’s the most important thing you can do to improve your life expectancy with COPD.
• Avoid secondhand smoke and other things that might irritate your lungs.
• Exercise.
• Control your weight.
• Stay up to date with vaccines, including COVID-19, seasonal flu, and pneumonia vaccines.

Once you’ve been diagnosed with COPD, follow your doctor’s advice to stop smoking, exercise, and take any medications prescribed. “And most important, stay active,” Rizzo says. “Walking is the best exercise for lungs, so walk on a regular basis.”

Top Picks

What is the life expectancy of someone with COPD?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on Dec 12, 2021.

The life expectancy of someone diagnosed with COPD can vary based upon their age, what stage of disease they have, and if they still smoke, are a former smoker, or never smoked.

• Studies have shown that for a male who is still smoking at age 65 and classified with GOLD Stage 3 or 4 COPD, the life expectancy was reduced by 5.8 years. For a male 65 years of age with Stage 1 disease and still smoking, life expectancy was reduced 0.3 years, and for Stage 2, it was reduced by 2.2 years. In addition, there are another 3.5 years of life lost due to smoking itself.
• In former smokers, life expectancy was reduced by 1.4 years for Stage 2 disease and 5.6 years for Stage 3 or 4 disease.
• In people who have never smoked but are diagnosed with COPD, life expectancy was reduced by 0.7 years for Stage 2 disease, and by 1.3 years for Stages 3 or 4 disease.

Another study estimated 5 to 6 years of life lost in both male and female participants with COPD as compared with corresponding non-COPD populations in the same age range. In addition researchers found that almost 65% of the causes of deaths were not related to the lungs, but involved heart and blood vessel, diabetes, cancer and kidney diseases.

Symptoms of COPD due to smoking tend to start at 50 to 60 years of age and will continue to worsen unless you stop smoking. If you stop smoking, you will also lower your risk for other potentially life-threatening diseases, such as stroke, heart attack or cancer. Also, avoid secondhand smoke and other irritants in the air, such as exhaust, chemicals, dust and other pollutants.

Learn more: What are the 4 stages of COPD?

In general, if you still smoke or are a former smoker, your reduction in life expectancy is much greater than if you never smoked. If you smoke and have been diagnosed with COPD, it is very important you stop smoking to help prolong your life — and quality of life — as long as possible.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a group of lower respiratory (lung) diseases that includes both emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD cannot be cured but there are medicines to help control symptoms. This group of diseases ranks 4th among leading causes of death in the U.S.

• In emphysema, the walls that separate the air sacs in the lungs are damaged. These sacs lose their shape, become larger, and can fill with mucus.
• In chronic bronchitis, the lining of the airways becomes irritated and inflamed and also thickens with mucus. In both conditions, coughing is common and breathing becomes difficult.
• Most people who are diagnosed with COPD have both emphysema and chronic bronchitis and the more broad term COPD is used.

Related: What medicines are used to treat COPD?

References

• Shu CC, Lee JH, Tsai MK, et al. The ability of physical activity in reducing mortality risks and cardiovascular loading and in extending life expectancy in patients with COPD. Sci Rep. 2021;11(1):21674. Published 2021 Nov 4. doi:10.1038/s41598-021-00728-2
• Shavelle RM, Paculdo DR, Kush SJ, et al. Life expectancy and years of life lost in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: findings from the NHANES III Follow-up Study. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2009;4:137-148. doi:10.2147/copd.s5237
• Patient education: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (Beyond the Basics). Updated June 9, 2021. Up to Date. Accessed Dec. 12, 2021 at https://www.uptodate.com/contents/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd-beyond-the-basics

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Medical Disclaimer

Oxygen therapy for long-term COPD

COPD – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – a chronic respiratory disease that develops as a result of regular inhalation of toxic particles or gases, accompanied by inflammation, accumulation of viscous sputum and leading to impaired gas exchange function due to narrowing of the bronchial lumen, preventing the penetration of oxygen into the blood (gas diffusion) with subsequent development fibrosis of the lung tissue.

The main manifestations of COPD are shortness of breath, cough with sputum difficult to separate (especially in the morning) and is accompanied by heaviness, tightness and wheezing in the chest, especially during periods of exacerbation. Exacerbations of COPD usually occur 2-3 times a year and are associated with climatic factors such as changes in humidity and air temperature. That is why COPD exacerbations occur more often in the spring and autumn periods and lead to the development of respiratory failure, accompanied by cyanosis of the skin, abundant sputum, often yellow or green. Frequent exacerbations (more than 3 times a year) lead to an irreversible violation of the body’s compensatory capabilities, the development of severe chronic respiratory failure and, as a result, the patient’s death. The existing severe hypoxemia (low level of oxygen in the blood), lasting more than 12 hours a day, almost 10 times increases the unfavorable prognosis in a 5-year perspective.

Early diagnosis of the disease is based on a thorough study of the causative factors (tobacco smoking, industrial hazards, pollutants, work with biofuels), assessment of the clinical symptoms of the disease and spirometry, a special test for assessing functional disorders of the pulmonary apparatus. Today, diagnostics is really feasible on an outpatient basis and does not require overly complicated and confusing algorithms.

In the complex treatment of patients with COPD, bronchodilator therapy is used using a nebulizer or a metered-dose aerosol inhaler (PIUs), mucolytic therapy that thins sputum, and special anti-inflammatory therapy. In some cases, with prolonged hypoxemia and respiratory failure (RD), oxygen therapy (oxygen therapy) is used with specially selected doses of oxygen. With the development of severe DN, hardware ventilation of the lungs is used. It is also justified to use breathing simulators to prevent the development of emphysema.

The duration of oxygen therapy may vary depending on the severity of DN in COPD. Oxygen supplied to the patient’s respiratory tract is a drug and therefore requires a clear regulation of its appointment. For oxygen inhalations, the inhaled mixture is enriched with oxygen up to 35-80% using a special concentrator-compressor, based on clinical tasks. In most cases, oxygen therapy is effective when it is carried out for more than 20 hours a day. For all patients, it is necessary to regularly study the saturation (the level of oxygen saturation in the blood) using pulse oximetry, as well as evaluate bronchial patency using peak flow.

Oxygen therapy should ensure the maintenance of a sufficient level of partial pressure of oxygen in the blood = 60 mm Hg. Art. and blood oxygen saturation (saturation) > 90%. Normally, the safe flow of oxygen required for this is 1.5-2.0 liters per minute, in cases of severe DN it can be increased to 4-5 liters per minute, subject to careful hydration and the use of a face mask. COPD patients with severe DN receiving long-term oxygen therapy have a high chance of increasing life expectancy by 15-20 years, which has been proven by most large randomized clinical trials and is a strong argument for the widespread use of respiratory equipment at home. Carrying out long-term oxygen therapy, in addition to solving the problem of compensating for the lack of oxygen (hypoxia), can significantly reduce the frequency of exacerbations of COPD.

With the development of severe hypercapnic DN, COPD patients are shown long-term non-invasive ventilation (NIV), including at home. A combination of oxygen therapy and NIV is possible in cases of “life-supporting” mechanical ventilation. This therapy is particularly useful in COPD patients with musculoskeletal disease or neuromuscular disorders.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: symptoms, treatment, life expectancy

Content

• 1 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Symptoms, treatment and effects on life expectancy
  • 1.1 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
    • 1.1.1 Description
    • 1.1.2 Causes 9 0027
    • 1.1.3 Symptoms
    • 1.1.4 Treatment
    • 1.1.5 Life expectancy
  • 1.2 What are the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
  • 1.3 Treatment of COPD: which methods are effective?
    • 1.3.1 Medical treatment
    • 1.3.2 Physical therapy
    • 1. 3.3 Surgical methods
  • 1.4 How to reduce the risk of COPD?
  • 1.5 Symptoms of COPD and possible diseases
    • 1.5.1 Diseases that can lead to COPD
    • 1.5.2 Main symptoms of COPD
  • 1.6 Factors that increase the risk of developing COPD

  9 0022 1.7 How to prolong life expectancy with COPD?

  • 1.7.1 Stop smoking
  • 1.7.2 Maintain an active lifestyle
  • 1.7.3 Eat properly
  • 1.7.4 Get checked periodically
  • 1.7.5 Use recommended medications

  90 027

  • 1.8 The question of the possibility of a complete cure of Chronic obstructive lung diseases
  • 1.9 Drugs used in COPD
    • 1.9.1 Bronchodilators
    • 1.9.2 Glucocorticosteroids
    • 1.9.3 Mucolytics
    • 1.9.4 Antibiotics
    • 1.9.5 Antioxidants
  • 1.10 How to take COPD medicines correctly?
  • 1.11 Side effects of COPD treatment
    • 1.11.1 Adverse drug reactions
    • 1. 11.2 Development of infections
    • 1.11.3 Risk of cardiovascular disease
    • 1.11.4 Mental disorders
  • 1.12 Video by subject:
  • 1.13 Q&A:
    • • 1.13.0.1 What are the symptoms associated with COPD?
      • 1.13.0.2 What can lead to COPD?
      • 1.13.0.3 How is COPD diagnosed?
      • 1.13.0.4 How is COPD treated?
      • 1.13.0.5 Can COPD be completely cured?
      • 1.13.0.6 What is the life expectancy of patients with COPD?

Find out about the main symptoms, treatments and life extension options for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on our website. Useful information for anyone who has experienced this disease or is interested in the topic of lung health.

COPD is characterized by progressive airway obstruction that can present with symptoms such as cough, difficulty breathing, copious expectoration, and angina attacks. Also, many patients with COPD have a lack of oxygen, which can lead to impaired lung function and increased mortality.

There are several treatments for COPD that can improve a patient’s quality of life and slow the progression of the disease. These include eliminating harmful factors such as smoking, regular use of bronchodilators, and oxygen therapy. In addition, physical therapy and regular exercise can be helpful in treating COPD.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Description

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease characterized by obstruction, i.e. narrowing of the airways and inadequate ventilation. COPD is a progressive disease that reduces the quality of life and life expectancy of patients if not treated promptly.

Causes

The main causes of COPD are smoking and exposure to harmful substances in the lungs, such as air pollution and industrial chemicals. In addition, heredity may also play a role in the development of the disease.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of COPD are cough, breathing difficulties, decreased physical endurance, frequent exacerbations and increased sputum production.

Treatment

Treatment for COPD includes drug therapy, physical rehabilitation, and lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation and avoidance of harmful exposures. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.

Life expectancy

Without timely and effective treatment, COPD can lead to serious complications and early death. However, with proper treatment, prevention of exacerbations, and control of symptoms, patients can live to old age and maintain a good quality of life.

What are the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

COPD is characterized by a persistent increase in associated symptoms. Among them are respiratory tension that occurs during physical exertion, chronic cough with a quantitative and qualitative violation of sputum, as well as problems with the respiratory system as a whole.

COPD also increases the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease, as the body is forced to work at an increased rate to maintain normal levels of oxygen in the blood.

It is important to note that COPD is often diagnosed late in development, when treatment can be difficult. Therefore, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor at the first symptoms of instability of the respiratory system.

COPD treatment: what methods are effective?

Drug treatment

One of the main treatments for COPD is drug therapy. Drugs are prescribed that can expand the bronchi, make breathing easier, as well as drugs that reduce inflammation in the lungs.

In addition, costration preparations can be used to increase oxygen in the blood if necessary.

Physiotherapy treatments

Physiotherapy treatments can help reduce COPD symptoms and increase life expectancy. Possible methods are: inhalation therapy, lung gymnastics, chest massage, respiratory system exercises.

Surgical methods

If medical treatment fails, surgical methods may be used. The most common is the surgical removal of the affected part of the lung. However, this method may not be suitable for all patients, since the operation requires highly qualified doctors and may be associated with a significant risk of complications.

• Drug treatment helps reduce symptoms of COPD:
  1. bronchial dilators
  2. antibiotics to fight bacterial infection
  3. corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in the lungs
• Physiotherapy may increase the effectiveness of therapy:
  1. inhalation therapy
  2. chest massage cells
  3. respiratory system exercises
• Surgical methods can be applied in cases where medical therapy is ineffective:
  1. surgical removal of the affected part of the lung

Comprehensive possibilities of COPD treatment Methods of treatment Advantages Disadvantages

How to reduce the risk of COPD?

COPD is a progressive disease that can be prevented or slowed down by following a few guidelines.

The next thing to do is to maintain an active lifestyle. Regular exercise not only helps reduce the risk of COPD, but also promotes health and maintains optimal weight.

In addition, taking steps to protect yourself from environmental pollution can reduce your chance of developing COPD. Try to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals and monitor the air quality in indoor areas where you spend a lot of time.

Finally, if you are at risk of developing COPD, you should have regular check-ups with your doctor and start treatment early in the course of the disease.

Symptoms of COPD and possible diseases

Diseases that can lead to COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease most often develops against the background of other diseases, when the lungs become more vulnerable and begin to lose their function. The main causes of COPD are:

• Long-term smoking (especially if a person smokes for more than 20 years)
• Genetic predisposition (the presence of appropriate genes in the body)
• Long-term contact with harmful substances (dust, gases, smoke, vapors, etc. )
• Frequent acute respiratory infections, can also aggravate the situation and lead to the development of chronic obstructive disease lungs

Main symptoms of COPD

When COPD develops, a person may experience the following symptoms:

• Cough, dry at first, then with a lot of sputum
• Shortness of breath that appears on the background of physical activity, and then becomes constant
• Feeling tired and weak during the day
• Pain and discomfort in the chest
• Feeling of difficulty in breathing obstructive pulmonary disease, and it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.

  Factors that increase the risk of developing COPD

  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease that occurs in people over 40 years of age. The risk of COPD increases when certain factors are present.

  • Smoking is a major risk factor present in 85-90% of patients with COPD. The higher the dose and duration of smoking, the higher the risk of developing the disease.
  • Genetic predisposition – hereditary factors may also increase the risk of COPD. If family members have cases of COPD, other family members are more likely to have it.
  • Air pollution – secondhand smoke, working in a highly polluted environment, living in a city with high levels of air pollution may increase the risk of COPD.
  • Frequent respiratory tract infections – Chronic exposure to bacteria and viruses in the lungs can lead to inflammation, which can increase the risk of COPD.
  • Age – The risk of COPD increases with age. The highest frequency of the disease is observed in people over 60 years of age.

  If one or more risk factors are present, a person is more likely to develop COPD. Therefore, in addition to treatment, it is also important to take measures to prevent the disease, such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy atmosphere at home and at work, preventing acute respiratory infections, and having regular medical check-ups.

  How to prolong life in COPD?

  Stop smoking

  One of the main causes of COPD is smoking. Getting rid of this bad habit can stop the progression of the disease and increase life expectancy.

  Maintain an active lifestyle

  Moderate physical activity and exercise help increase endurance and reduce the frequency of COPD exacerbations.

  Eat right

  Proper diet is the key to a satisfactory condition and is especially important for people suffering from COPD. A balanced diet provides the body with everything it needs to function properly.

  Periodic check-ups

  Regular medical examinations can detect changes in the condition of the lungs in the early stages, because the sooner treatment is started, the greater the chance of success.

  Use recommended medications

  Medical treatment of COPD is aimed at improving quality of life and preventing flare-ups. The task of the patient is to take the recommended medications, follow the dosages and regimen.

  • Conclusion: Compliance with these rules can help increase life expectancy in COPD.

  The question of the possibility of a complete cure for Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a chronic disease that does not have a complete cure. However, proper treatment and lung care can reduce symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

  Although there is no cure for COPD, many people live full lives with the disease and manage it with proper treatment and a healthy lifestyle.

  COPD drugs

  Bronchodilators

  Bronchodilators are the mainstay of COPD treatment. They help expand the bronchi and improve air permeability. As a rule, short-acting and long-acting bronchodilators are used. Short-acting drugs include salibutamol, terbutaline, alupent. Long-acting bronchodilators are simvicort, seretide, salmeterol.

  Glucocorticosteroids

  Glucocorticosteroids are used in COPD when bronchodilators do not work. They help reduce inflammation and improve bronchial patency. Glucocorticosteroids include triamcinolone, beclomethasone, fluticasone.

  Mucolytics

  Mucolytics are used in COPD to thin sputum and make it easier to pass. This is especially important for patients with obstructive bronchitis, in whom liquid sputum does not leave the lungs, which worsens their condition. Mucolytic drugs include acetylcysteine, carbocysteine.

  Antibiotics

  Antibiotics are prescribed for COPD when there is an exacerbation of the disease and an infectious process occurs. Inflammation causes increased coughing, difficulty breathing, and the appearance of a large amount of sputum. Antibiotics used in COPD include amoxicillin, augmentin, ceftriaxone.

  Antioxidants

  Antioxidants are an important part of the treatment of COPD. They help protect lung cells from the damage that is associated with oxidative stress. Vitamins A, C, E, selenium can be used as antioxidants.

  How to take COPD medicines correctly?

  When COPD is diagnosed, the doctor prescribes the appropriate treatment. But it is also important not to forget about the correct use of medicines. All drugs must be taken strictly according to the doctor’s prescription.

  Do not change the dosage and time of administration without the consent of the attending physician, as this may adversely affect the effectiveness of treatment. If you forgot to take a pill or drink an inhaler, then you need to take the missed dose as soon as you remember about it, but if it is already time for the next dose, then you need to skip the missed one and take the next one at the appointed time.

  It is important to observe the expiration date of medicines and store them according to the instructions. No medicines should be thrown away with household waste, as they can damage the environment. For safe disposal, you need to go to special collection points for medicines.

  • Take your medicine exactly as directed by your doctor;
  • Do not change the dosage and timing of administration without consulting your doctor;
  • Remember to take your medicines on time;
  • Store medicines as directed;
  • Do not dispose of medicines with household waste, but take them to designated recycling centers.

  Side effects of COPD treatment

  Adverse drug reactions

  COPD treatment often involves the use of inhaled drugs, which can cause adverse reactions. For example, some inhaled steroids may increase the risk of oral fungal infections. Allergic reactions to medications are also possible, which manifest as itching, redness and swelling of the face, as well as respiratory problems.

  Development of infections

  Due to impaired respiratory function and a weakened immune system, patients with COPD are at risk of developing lung infections. Antibiotic treatment may cause adverse reactions such as diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, as well as the risk of developing allergic reactions.

  Risk of cardiovascular disease

  Patients with COPD may have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease such as hypertension and heart attack. Some medicines used to treat COPD can make the condition worse and cause side effects such as high blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms.

  Mental health problems

  Patients with COPD may experience mental health problems such as depression and anxiety associated with limitations in daily life. Some medications used in the treatment of COPD can make these conditions worse and cause side effects such as insomnia and dizziness.

  Related videos:

  Q&A:

  What are the symptoms associated with COPD?

  Patients with COPD often experience cough with sputum, shortness of breath on exertion, and spontaneous malaise. Fatigue and despair are also possible. In the advanced stage of the disease, bluish spots on the skin may appear, which is associated with a violation of gas exchange in the lungs.

  What can lead to COPD?

  The main causes of COPD are smoking and exposure to harmful substances in the workplace.