World COPD Day | Understand your lung function

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also known as COPD, is a common respiratory disease known as the "silent killer". Winter is a time when patients are prone to respiratory infections, which can cause acute exacerbations of COPD. Therefore, COPD is also known as the disease that is "the hardest to survive in winter".

Symptoms of COPD

Chronic cough: Usually the first symptom of COPD, it is intermittent in the early stage and becomes persistent in the later stage.

Coughing up phlegm: In the early stages, there may be only a small amount of phlegm, but as the disease progresses, the amount of phlegm may increase.

Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath: manifested as rapid breathing and shortness of breath, especially after activities.

Wheezing and chest tightness: Shortness of breath due to lung disease may be accompanied by chest tightness and pain.

Susceptible population

Long-term smokers: Smoking is the main risk factor for COPD.

People who are exposed to air pollution and occupational dust for a long time: such as coal miners, construction workers, etc.

Image source: Pixabay

Those with family history: People with a family history of COPD are more likely to develop the disease.

People over middle age: As age increases, the risk of developing COPD increases.

Early identification is the key to preventing and treating COPD. Here are some ways to help identify COPD early:

1. Pay attention to respiratory symptoms: Long-term coughing, sputum, and dyspnea are common symptoms of COPD. If these symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention immediately.

2. Understand family history: If there is a history of COPD in the family, the possibility of personal illness will increase. You should pay attention to your respiratory health and have regular physical examinations.

3. Pulmonary function test: Pulmonary function test is the gold standard for diagnosing COPD. Through the test, we can understand the airway obstruction and detect lesions in time. It is recommended that people over 40 years old have a pulmonary function test once a year, especially those at high risk.

For patients who have been diagnosed with COPD, early intervention is equally important. Here are some suggestions:

1. Quit smoking: Smoking is one of the main risk factors for COPD. Quitting smoking can significantly slow down the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life.

2. Avoid contact with harmful substances: reduce exposure to harmful dust, gas and other environments to protect respiratory health.

3. Standardized treatment: Follow the doctor's instructions and take standardized medication to relieve respiratory symptoms and improve quality of life.

4. Rehabilitation exercises: Through appropriate rehabilitation exercises, such as breathing exercises and aerobic exercises, the strength of respiratory muscles can be increased and respiratory function can be improved.

5. Vaccination: Get flu and pneumonia vaccines to reduce the risk of respiratory infections and alleviate symptoms.

Source: Chongqing Fuling District Chinese Medicine Association

Author: Wang Chengcheng, Department of Pulmonary Diseases

Audit expert: Yang Minggao

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