Is COPD a somatic disease? COPD is a lung disease: treatment and symptoms, a list of drugs. General signs of bronchopulmonary diseases

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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD- This is a group of diseases in which the patency of the respiratory tract is disturbed, as a result of which it becomes difficult for patients to breathe.

Emphysema and chronic asthmatic bronchitis are the two most common COPD diseases.

In all cases of COPD, the respiratory tract is affected, which disrupts the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is one of the leading causes of disability and death worldwide. Most obstructive pulmonary disease is caused by long-term smoking and could be prevented if patients quit this habit in time. In COPD, lung damage is mostly irreversible, so treatment is directed at controlling symptoms.

Causes of COPD

Chronic asthmatic bronchitis.

This is a chronic disease that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. This can lead to shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing when breathing. Chronic asthmatic bronchitis increases the production of mucus in the bronchi, further blocking the narrowed airways.

Emphysema.

This progressive disease damages the delicate air sacs at the ends of the bronchioles, the alveoli. The alveoli are clustered together like bunches of grapes, and emphysema gradually destroys the inner walls in these "clusters", reducing the surface available for gas exchange. In addition, emphysema makes the walls of the alveoli soft and less elastic, causing them to collapse when air is exhaled. Patients with emphysema have shortness of breath, they actively work with auxiliary muscles during breathing. Patients with emphysema do not tolerate heavy loads.

COPD is usually caused by long-term exposure to airborne irritants:

Cigarette smoke.
Dust particles.
Industrial smog.
Harsh chemicals.

COPD Risk Factors

1. Influence of tobacco smoke.

Smoking is the most significant risk factor for COPD. The longer you smoke cigarettes, the more likely you are to develop obstructive pulmonary disease. People exposed to passive smoking are also at risk. According to some reports, inhaling marijuana smoke can damage the lungs in a similar way to tobacco smoke.

2. Influence of dust and chemicals.

Prolonged exposure to such airborne irritants at work leads to inflammation and obstructive changes in the lungs. Many occupational diseases are associated with this among workers in "dirty" industries, chemical plants, coal mines.

3. Age.

COPD progresses slowly over many years, so that most people show symptoms of these diseases by at least 30-40 years of age.

4. Genetics.

A rare genetic disorder called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is responsible for some cases of COPD. Researchers believe that genetic factors make individuals more susceptible to the damaging effects of tobacco smoke. If these people smoke, they develop lung problems faster.

Symptoms of COPD

Most people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have more than one of the following symptoms:

Dyspnea.
Wheezing on breathing.
Chest tightness.
Chronic cough.

Diagnosis of COPD

1. Chest x-ray.

In some people, x-rays can show emphysema, one of the most common types of COPD. More importantly, x-rays can rule out lung cancer and some heart diseases.

2. Computed tomography.

A CT scan takes a series of images from many different angles, which allows you to get detailed "sections" of the patient's internal organs. A lung scan can reveal emphysema, tumors, and other abnormalities.

3. Analysis of arterial blood gases.

This blood test shows how well the lungs are oxygenating our blood and expelling carbon dioxide. Blood for testing can be taken from an artery that runs through your wrist.

4. Sputum analysis.

Analysis of the cells in the sputum you cough up can help identify the cause of lung problems and rule out cancer. If you have a productive (wet) cough, your doctor will order a sputum test to determine the infection that caused the illness.

5. Analysis of lung function.

Spirometry is a common way to check how well your lungs are working. During this procedure, you will be asked to breathe into a special tube. The machine will measure how much air your lungs can hold, as well as how much air you can exhale. Spirometry can detect chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at an early stage, even before the onset of symptoms of the disease. This test can be repeated several times at regular intervals, which will help the doctor monitor the progress of the disease.

Treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

1. Stop smoking.

This is the most important step in treating COPD if you are still a smoker. Quitting smoking is the only way to stop lung damage that can even lead to death in the end. But quitting smoking has never been easy. And you may need medical attention. Talk to your doctor - they may prescribe you a nicotine patch or other nicotine substitutes.

2. Drug treatment.

For the treatment of COPD, the following groups of drugs can be used:

Bronchodilators. These drugs are usually given in the form of an inhaler. They relax the smooth muscles of the bronchi and widen the airways. As a result, it becomes easy to breathe. Depending on the problem, you may need two inhalers: a long-acting inhaler (for daily seizure prevention) and a short-acting inhaler (to stop an attack and before exercise).
inhaled steroids. Corticosteroid hormones in the form of an inhaler are a convenient remedy for relieving airway inflammation. But long-term use of these drugs can cause osteoporosis, hypertension, diabetes, cataracts, and other serious complications. These drugs are commonly prescribed for people with severe COPD.
Antibiotics. Respiratory infections such as acute bronchitis can exacerbate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Antibiotics help to suppress the pathogenic flora in the respiratory tract, but they are recommended to be taken only in case of emergency.

3. Non-drug treatment.

oxygen therapy. If there is not enough oxygen in your blood, you may need supplemental oxygen. There are many different oxygen delivery devices, including small and handy ones that you can carry around town. Some patients need oxygen only during exercise or during sleep. Others need an oxygen mask all the time.
Rehabilitation programs for patients with COPD. These programs usually combine education, exercise, nutritional advice, and counseling. These programs are widespread in developed countries. They work at many major US medical centers. They involve pulmonologists, physiotherapists, nutritionists, psychotherapists.

4. Surgical treatment for COPD.

Surgery is required for some patients with severe emphysema who are not helped by medical treatment:

Decreased lung volume. In this operation, the surgeon removes small pieces of damaged lung tissue. This creates additional space in the chest cavity, allowing the remaining lungs to work more efficiently. This surgery is very risky, and its long-term benefits over medical treatment are not clear.
Lung transplant. For severe emphysema, a lung transplant may be one option. Such surgery improves the ability to breathe and live a more active life. But studies have not shown a significant prolongation of life for such patients. In addition, it may take a long time to wait for a suitable donor. Therefore, the decision to transplant a lung is quite difficult.

5. Prevention of exacerbations.

Even with treatment, you may experience sudden flare-ups. Exacerbations can be so severe that they lead to lung failure. Such episodes occur as a result of respiratory infections, cold outside, high air pollution. If your symptoms suddenly get worse, tell your doctor as soon as possible.

Breath control techniques. Your doctor will show you the best positions and techniques for controlling your breathing during an attack.
Clearing the airways. In COPD, mucus accumulates in the bronchi. For a better discharge of mucus, you need to breathe humidified air, drink plenty of fluids. Your doctor may prescribe expectorants for you.
Regular exercise. Of course, COPD patients have difficulty breathing during exercise. But regular therapeutic exercises can strengthen your breathing muscles. A suitable set of exercises will be advised by your doctor.
Healthy diet. A healthy diet will keep you strong. If you are obese, you must definitely get rid of extra pounds. If you are underweight, your doctor may recommend special dietary supplements and enhanced nutrition.
To give up smoking. Remember that smoking is the leading cause of COPD. Passive smoking is also bad for the lungs, so if there is a smoker in the house, influence him. Stand up for healthy air at work if your colleagues smoke. In many countries, the rights of non-smoking workers are protected by law.
Vaccination. Respiratory infections provoke an exacerbation of chronic lung diseases. Getting vaccinated against flu and other seasonal illnesses every year will help you avoid flare-ups.
Avoid crowds. If you need to go to crowded places, don't forget your protective mask.
Don't breathe cold air. Remember that cold air provokes bronchospasm - cover your mouth and nose with a scarf or handkerchief if you are walking in the cold.

Possible complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Prevention of chronic lung diseases

Exposure to dust and corrosive substances at work is another important cause of lung disease. There are two ways out here - to change jobs or to provide reliable protection in the workplace. If you already have COPD, talk to your doctor about what to do.

Health and life are more precious than any work.

This is a progressive disease characterized by an inflammatory component, impaired bronchial patency at the level of the distal bronchi, and structural changes in the lung tissue and blood vessels. The main clinical signs are cough with the release of mucopurulent sputum, shortness of breath, discoloration of the skin (cyanosis or pinkish color). Diagnosis is based on data from spirometry, bronchoscopy, and blood gases. Treatment includes inhalation therapy, bronchodilators

General information

Chronic obstructive disease (COPD) is now isolated as an independent lung disease and delimited from a number of chronic processes of the respiratory system that occur with obstructive syndrome (obstructive bronchitis, secondary pulmonary emphysema, bronchial asthma, etc.). According to epidemiological data, COPD more often affects men over 40 years of age, occupies a leading position among the causes of disability and 4th among the causes of mortality in the active and able-bodied part of the population.

Causes of COPD

Among the causes that cause the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 90-95% is given to smoking. Among other factors (about 5%), there are occupational hazards (inhalation of harmful gases and particles), childhood respiratory infections, concomitant bronchopulmonary pathology, and the state of the environment. In less than 1% of patients, COPD is based on a genetic predisposition, expressed in a deficiency of alpha1-antitrypsin, which is formed in the liver tissues and protects the lungs from damage by the elastase enzyme.

COPD is an occupational disease of miners, railroad workers, construction workers in contact with cement, workers in the pulp and paper and metallurgical industries, and agricultural workers involved in the processing of cotton and grain. Among the occupational hazards, the leading causes of COPD development are:

• contacts with cadmium and silicon
• metalworking
• the harmful role of products formed during the combustion of fuel.

Pathogenesis

Environmental factors and genetic predisposition cause chronic inflammatory lesions of the inner lining of the bronchi, leading to impaired local bronchial immunity. At the same time, the production of bronchial mucus increases, its viscosity increases, thereby creating favorable conditions for the reproduction of bacteria, impaired bronchial patency, changes in lung tissue and alveoli. The progression of COPD leads to the loss of a reversible component (edema of the bronchial mucosa, spasm of smooth muscles, mucus secretion) and an increase in irreversible changes leading to the development of peribronchial fibrosis and emphysema. Progressive respiratory failure in COPD may be accompanied by bacterial complications leading to recurrent lung infections.

The course of COPD is aggravated by a gas exchange disorder, manifested by a decrease in O2 and CO2 retention in arterial blood, an increase in pressure in the pulmonary artery and leading to the formation of cor pulmonale. Chronic cor pulmonale causes circulatory failure and death in 30% of patients with COPD.

Classification

International experts distinguish 4 stages in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The criterion underlying the classification of COPD is a decrease in the ratio of FEV (forced expiratory volume) to FVC (forced vital capacity)

• Stage 0(predisease). It is characterized by an increased risk of developing COPD, but does not always transform into it. Manifested by persistent cough and sputum secretion with unchanged lung function.
• Stage I(mild COPD). Minor obstructive disorders (forced expiratory volume in 1 second - FEV1> 80% of normal), chronic cough and sputum production are detected.
• Stage II(moderate course of COPD). Progressive obstructive disorders (50%
• Stage III(severe course of COPD). Increased airflow limitation during exhalation (30%
• Stage IV(extremely severe COPD). It is manifested by a severe form of life-threatening bronchial obstruction (FEV, respiratory failure, development of cor pulmonale.

Symptoms of COPD

In the early stages, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease proceeds secretly and is not always detected on time. A characteristic clinic unfolds, starting with the moderate stage of COPD.

The course of COPD is characterized by cough with sputum and shortness of breath. In the early stages, there is an episodic cough with mucus sputum (up to 60 ml per day) and shortness of breath during intense exertion; as the severity of the disease progresses, the cough becomes constant, shortness of breath is felt at rest. With the addition of infection, the course of COPD worsens, the nature of sputum becomes purulent, and its amount increases. The course of COPD can develop in two types of clinical forms:

• Bronchitis type. In patients with the bronchitis type of COPD, the predominant manifestations are purulent inflammatory processes in the bronchi, accompanied by intoxication, cough, and copious sputum. Bronchial obstruction is pronounced significantly, pulmonary emphysema is weak. This group of patients is conditionally referred to as "blue puffers" due to diffuse blue cyanosis of the skin. The development of complications and the terminal stage occur at a young age.
• emphysematous type. With the development of COPD according to the emphysematous type, expiratory dyspnea (with difficult exhalation) comes to the fore in the symptoms. Emphysema prevails over bronchial obstruction. According to the characteristic appearance of patients (pink-gray skin, barrel-shaped chest, cachexia), they are called "pink puffers." It has a more benign course, patients tend to live to old age.

Complications

The progressive course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can be complicated by pneumonia, acute or chronic respiratory failure, spontaneous pneumothorax, pneumosclerosis, secondary polycythemia (erythrocytosis), congestive heart failure, etc. In severe and extremely severe COPD, patients develop pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale . The progressive course of COPD leads to changes in the daily activity of patients and a decrease in their quality of life.

Diagnostics

The slow and progressive course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease raises the question of timely diagnosis of the disease, which helps to improve the quality and increase life expectancy. When collecting anamnestic data, it is necessary to pay attention to the presence of bad habits (smoking) and production factors.

• FVD research. The most important method of functional diagnostics is spirometry, which reveals the first signs of COPD. It is mandatory to measure the speed and volume indicators: vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second. (FEV1) and others in the post-bronchodilator test. The summation and ratio of these indicators makes it possible to diagnose COPD.
• Sputum analysis. Cytological examination of sputum in patients with COPD makes it possible to assess the nature and severity of bronchial inflammation, to exclude cancer alertness. Outside of exacerbation, the nature of sputum is mucous with a predominance of macrophages. In the acute phase of COPD, sputum becomes viscous, purulent.
• Blood analysis. A clinical blood test for COPD reveals polycythemia (an increase in the number of red blood cells, hematocrit, hemoglobin, blood viscosity) as a result of the development of hypoxemia in the bronchitis type of the disease. In patients with severe symptoms of respiratory failure, the gas composition of the blood is examined.
• Chest X-ray. X-ray of the lungs excludes other diseases with similar clinical manifestations. In patients with COPD, the x-ray shows compaction and deformation of the bronchial walls, emphysematous changes in the lung tissue.

ECG changes are characterized by hypertrophy of the right heart, indicating the development of pulmonary hypertension. Diagnostic bronchoscopy in COPD is indicated for differential diagnosis, examination of the bronchial mucosa and assessment of its condition, sampling of bronchial secretions for analysis.

COPD treatment

The goals of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease therapy are to slow down the progression of bronchial obstruction and respiratory failure, reduce the frequency and severity of exacerbations, improve the quality and increase the life expectancy of patients. A necessary element of complex therapy is the elimination of the cause of the disease (primarily smoking).

COPD treatment is carried out by a pulmonologist and consists of the following components:

• patient education in the use of inhalers, spacers, nebulizers, criteria for assessing their condition and self-care skills;
• the appointment of bronchodilators (drugs that expand the lumen of the bronchi);
• the appointment of mucolytics (drugs that thin sputum and facilitate its discharge);
• appointment of inhaled glucocorticosteroids;
• antibiotic therapy during exacerbations;
• oxygenation of the body and pulmonary rehabilitation.

In the case of a comprehensive, methodical and adequately selected treatment of COPD, it is possible to reduce the rate of development of respiratory failure, reduce the number of exacerbations and prolong life.

Forecast and prevention

Regarding complete recovery, the prognosis is unfavorable. The steady progression of COPD leads to disability. The prognostic criteria for COPD include: the possibility of excluding the provoking factor, the patient's compliance with recommendations and therapeutic measures, the social and economic status of the patient. An unfavorable course of COPD is observed in severe concomitant diseases, heart and respiratory failure, elderly patients, bronchitis type of the disease. A quarter of patients with severe exacerbations die within a year. Measures to prevent COPD are the exclusion of harmful factors (cessation of smoking, compliance with labor protection requirements in the presence of occupational hazards), prevention of exacerbations and other bronchopulmonary infections.

About 6-10% of people over 40 suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. There are many reasons for the development of the disease. Most often, the impetus for the development of the disease is smoking, heredity and work in harmful conditions. To date, it is impossible to completely cure the disease.

All are aimed at reducing and preventing seizures. The disease often causes complications, which increases the likelihood of death.

Complications and their danger

Pneumonia

It occurs as a result of stagnation of mucus in the respiratory tract and a violation of the mucociliary clearance. The patient begins inflammatory processes with the addition of infection. The cause of pneumonia can also be the regular or long-term use of glucocorticosteroids in the form of inhalations. Also, this type of complication is quite often observed in people who suffer from diabetes.

With the appearance of a secondary, a large percentage of death. Septic shock may occur. Illness accompany severe shortness of breath and the risk of kidney failure.

Respiratory failure

This complication always occurs in a patient with COPD. This is due to the fact that it is difficult for the lungs to maintain the composition of the blood that is necessary for high-quality breathing. This is a pathological syndrome may be acute or chronic. For the development of an acute form, a few minutes or a couple of hours are enough. The course of the chronic form is rather stormy. It can develop for a long time: from several weeks to several months. This complication has three stages:

1. the first is characterized by the presence of shortness of breath only after more serious physical exertion;
2. in the second degree, shortness of breath occurs even at the slightest exertion;
3. Grade 3 is characterized by severe shortness of breath, difficulty breathing even at rest, and a significant decrease in oxygen in the lungs.

Puffiness may also appear, morphological changes in the liver and kidneys may occur, and the normal functioning of these organs will be disrupted.

1. Pulmonary hypertension may appear, which leads to high blood pressure;
2. cor pulmonale may occur.

The functions of cardiac activity are disturbed, the patient develops hypertension. The walls of the organ thicken, the section of the right ventricle expands. The disease can be acute, subacute or chronic. There is a possibility of a collapse. Possible enlargement of the liver. The patient also has tachycardia, shortness of breath, coughing up sputum with blood.

Fact! If this type of complication is chronic, the symptoms may be minor, and shortness of breath worsens over time. Also, the patient may experience swelling and decreased diuresis.

Acute heart failure

There is a violation of the proper functioning of the right ventricle, due to which congestion is observed, and there is a violation of the contractile function of the myocardium. This, in turn, leads to edema, circulatory disorders, tachycardia, decreased performance, and insomnia. If the disease has taken a severe form, a person has severe exhaustion.

Atrial fibrillation

The normal cycle of the heart is disturbed, the muscle fibers of the atrium are chaotically contracted and excited. The ventricles contract less frequently than the atria.

Pneumothorax

Expressed by pain in the chest. If cirrhosis of the lung occurs, it is deformed, the heart and large vessels are also displaced. Appears inflammatory process, and pleurisy begins to develop. Diagnosis of this pathology during x-ray. Most often, men suffer from this pathology.

Pneumothorax develops very quickly. The first symptom is severe pain in the region of the heart with shortness of breath, which occurs in the patient even at rest. The patient feels especially severe pain when he takes a breath or coughs. Also, the patient has tachycardia and rapid heart rate. High probability of loss of consciousness.

Polycythemia

This type of complication in COPD leads to erythrocytosis. In humans, the production of red blood cells increases, hemoglobin is elevated. For a long time, polycythemia can occur without symptoms.

blockage of blood vessels

The main vessels are clogged with blood clots, which can lead to terrible consequences.

bronchiectasis

This type of complication is characterized by bronchial dilatation, which most often occurs in the lower lobes. Perhaps the defeat of not one, but two lungs at once. The patient begins hemoptysis, severe pain in the chest. The secreted sputum has an unpleasant odor. Also, a person becomes irritable, his skin turns pale and weight decreases. The phalanges of the fingers on the hands thicken.

pneumosclerosis

There is a replacement of normal tissue with connective tissue, as a result of which the bronchi are deformed, the pleura tissue is compacted, and the mediastinal organs are displaced. Gas exchange is disturbed, respiratory failure develops. This complication refers to the last degree of sclerosis and most often causes death. This pathology is characterized by:

• persistent shortness of breath;
• blue skin;
• frequent cough with mucus.

Important! All these complications are life-threatening, so the patient must be observed by a doctor.

Exacerbation symptoms

In order to start treatment in time or prevent an attack, the patient needs to know the signs of an impending exacerbation. Exacerbations in COPD can occur several times a year Therefore, each patient should be able to control their condition and take the necessary measures to prevent them.

The most common signs are:

1. The appearance of sputum with an admixture of pus in a patient.
2. The amount of secreted mucus is greatly increased.
3. Shortness of breath becomes severe and may occur even at rest.
4. Increasing cough intensity.
5. There are wheezing that can be heard at a distance.
6. There may be severe headaches or dizziness.
7. An unpleasant noise appears in the ears.
8. The extremities become cold.
9. There is insomnia.
10. There is pain in the heart.

Important! Exacerbations in COPD may increase gradually or rapidly.

Treatment for an exacerbation

The doctor selects adequate basic therapy for patients, which includes such drugs:

First-line drugs for adults

• Spiriva;
• Tiotropium-Nativ.

Important! These funds are prohibited for the treatment of children.

• Foradil;
• Oxys;
• Atimos;
• Serevent;
• Theotard;
• Salmeterol.

These drugs can be used in the form of inhalers for moderate and severe forms of the disease. The new drug Spiriva Respimat, which is produced in the form of a solution for inhalation, has proven itself well.

Hormonal drugs

• Flixotide;
• Pulmicort;
• Beclazon-ECO.

Combined preparations from bronchodilators and hormonal agents

• Symbicort;
• Seretide.

The course of antibacterial agents during exacerbation

• Augmentinin;
• Flemoxin;
• Amoxiclav;
• Sumamed;
• Azitrox;
• Klacid;
• Zoflox;
• Sparflo.

Expectorants

• Lasolvana;
• Ambroxol;
• Flavameda.

Mucolytic antioxidant ACC

If the patient does not have severe respiratory failure, treatment can be carried out at home. If an exacerbation of COPD took a heavy form, hospitalization is necessary for the treatment of the patient in the hospital.

If the patient has severe shortness of breath due to chronic hypoxia of the brain, which can lead to disability, the patient is prescribed a course of inhalation with oxygen.

When using inhalation, doctors recommend that patients use a nebulizer, as its use will allow quickly restore the functions of the respiratory tract. If there is no effect from the treatment or suffocation has increased, calling an ambulance is mandatory.

Useful video

Be sure to watch the video about the new methodology for detecting COPD disease and how smoking is involved in the disease:

The disease in question is an inflammatory disease that affects the distal lower respiratory tract, and which is chronic. Against the background of this pathology, the lung tissue and blood vessels are modified, and the patency of the bronchi is significantly impaired.

The main symptom of COPD is the presence of an obstructive syndrome, in which patients can be diagnosed with inflammation of the bronchi, bronchial asthma, secondary pulmonary emphysema, etc.

What is COPD - causes and mechanism of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

According to the World Health Organization, the disease in question tops the 4th place in the list of causes of death.

Video: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

This pathology is formed under the influence of not one, but a number of factors, which include:

• Tobacco smoking. This bad habit is the most common cause of COPD. An interesting fact is that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease occurs in more severe forms in rural residents than in urban residents. One of the reasons for this phenomenon is the lack of lung screening in smokers after the age of 40 in Russian villages.
• Inhalation of harmful microparticles at work. In particular, this applies to cadmium and silicon, which enter the air during the processing of metal structures, as well as due to fuel combustion. In the increased risk zone are miners, railway workers, construction workers, who often come into contact with cement-containing mixtures, agricultural workers who process cotton and grain crops.
• Unfavorable environmental conditions.
• Frequent respiratory infections in preschool and school periods.
• Associated ailments of the respiratory system: bronchial asthma, tuberculosis, etc.
• Infant prematurity. At birth, their lungs do not fully open. This is reflected in their functioning and can cause serious exacerbations in the future.
• congenital protein deficiency, which is produced in the liver, and is designed to protect lung tissue from the destructive effects of elastase.

Against the background of genetic aspects, as well as adverse natural factors, inflammation occurs in the inner lining of the bronchi, which become chronic.

The indicated pathological condition leads to a modification of bronchial mucus: it becomes larger, its consistency changes. This causes malfunctions in the patency of the bronchi, and provokes the development degenerative processes in the lung alveoli. The overall picture can be aggravated by the addition of bacterial exacerbations, which provokes re-infection of the lungs.

In addition, the disease in question can cause disturbances in the functioning of the heart, which is reflected in the quality of the blood supply to the organs of the respiratory system. This condition in chronic forms is the cause of death in 30% of patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Signs and symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - how to notice in time?

At the initial stages of development, the pathology under consideration is often doesn't show up at all. A typical symptomatic picture appears in the moderate stages.

Video: What is COPD and how to detect it in time?

This lung disease has two typical symptoms:

1. Cough. It makes itself felt most often after waking up. In the process of coughing, a certain amount of sputum, viscous in consistency, is separated. When bacterial agents are involved in the pathological process, sputum becomes purulent and abundant. Patients often associate this phenomenon with smoking or working conditions - therefore, they do not often turn to a medical institution for advice.
2. Shortness of breath. At the beginning of the development of the disease, a similar symptom manifests itself when walking fast or climbing a hill. As COPD progresses, a person suffocates even when walking a hundred meters. This pathological condition causes the patient to move more slowly than healthy people. In some cases, patients complain of shortness of breath during undressing/dressing.

According to its clinical manifestations, this pulmonary pathology is divided into 2 types:

• bronchitis. The symptomatic picture is clearly expressed here. This is due to purulent-inflammatory phenomena in the bronchi, which is manifested by a strong cough, abundant mucous discharge from the bronchi. The patient's body temperature rises, he constantly complains of fatigue and lack of appetite. The skin becomes bluish in color.
• emphysematous. It is characterized by a more favorable course - patients with this type of COPD often live up to 50 years of age. A typical symptom of the emphysematous type of the disease is difficulty exhaling. The sternum becomes barrel-shaped, the skin becomes pink-gray.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease affects not only the functioning of the respiratory system, but almost the entire body suffers.

The most common violations include:

1. Degenerative phenomena in the walls of blood vessels, which provokes the formation of atherosclerotic plaques - and increases the risk of blood clots.
2. Errors in the work of the heart. Patients with COPD are often diagnosed with a systematic increase in blood pressure, coronary heart disease. The possibility of acute myocardial infarction cannot be ruled out.
3. Atrophic processes in the muscles that are involved in respiratory function.
4. Serious disorders in the functioning of the kidneys.
5. Mental disorders, the nature of which is determined by the stage of development of COPD. Such disorders can be represented by sleep apnea, poor sleep, difficulty in remembering events, and difficulty in thinking. In addition, patients often feel sad and anxious, and often become depressed.
6. Decreased body defenses.

COPD stages - classification of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

According to the international medical classification, the ailment in question in its development passes 4 stages.

Video: COPD. Why is it difficult for the lungs?

At the same time, in the course of dividing the disease into specific forms, two main indicators are taken into account:

• Forced expiratory volume - FEV .
• Forced vital capacity - FVC - after taking drugs that stop the symptoms of acute bronchial asthma. Normal FVC should not exceed 70%.

Consider the main stages of development of this pulmonary pathology in more detail:

1. Zero stage. The standard symptoms at this stage are a regular cough with little sputum production. Lungs at the same time all work without disturbance. This pathological condition does not always develop into COPD, but there is still a risk.
2. First (easy) stage. Cough becomes chronic, sputum is produced regularly. Diagnostic measures can reveal small obstructive errors.
3. Second (moderate) stage. Obstructive disturbances are intensifying. The symptomatic picture becomes more pronounced with physical exertion. There are difficulties with breathing.
4. Third (severe) stage. The airflow during exhalation is limited in volume. Exacerbations are becoming a regular occurrence.
5. Fourth (extremely severe) stage. There is a serious risk to the life of the patient. Typical complications at this stage of COPD development are respiratory failure, serious malfunctions in the functioning of the heart, which affect the quality of blood circulation.