World COPD Day: Lung function test is the gold standard for diagnosing COPD

November 18, 2020 is the 19th World COPD Day. This year's theme is "Prevent and Control COPD, Let's Go Hand in Hand". What is COPD? How can it be detected early? Can it be cured? Today, Dr. Dong Shangjuan from the Department of Respiratory and Febrile Diseases of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Oriental Hospital will talk to you about COPD.

What is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease characterized by irreversible airflow limitation. It is progressive and destructive chronic lung disease that gradually weakens the patient's respiratory function. It is mainly related to smoking, kitchen fuel, air pollution and some genetic factors. Early symptoms are mainly cough and sputum, and the progression of the disease is accompanied by shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. Mild COPD is easily overlooked. Pulmonary function is the gold standard for diagnosing COPD. Therefore, patients with chronic respiratory symptoms, especially those with decreased activity tolerance, such as shortness of breath after climbing stairs or strenuous activities, should go to the hospital in time for a complete lung function test to determine whether they have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Can COPD be cured?

COPD cannot be completely cured, but it can help patients alleviate symptoms, slow down the deterioration of lung function, reduce acute exacerbations and hospitalizations. Quitting smoking is the most important treatment measure, which can effectively slow down the rate of lung function decline and disease progression.

Can Chinese medicine be taken for a long time?

Chinese medicine should be used for treatment based on the patient's condition. Sometimes it is necessary to "nourish the lungs" and sometimes it is necessary to "clear the lungs". You must not take supplements at will.

What should you pay attention to if you have COPD and how can you avoid acute exacerbations?

The first thing to do when you have COPD is to quit smoking. Stopping smoking is currently the most effective and economical measure to reduce the risk factors of COPD and stop its progressive development. In addition, COPD patients should have their lung function checked regularly so that they can understand their condition and adjust their medication in a timely manner.

Acute exacerbation of COPD may be caused by a variety of factors, the most common cause being respiratory tract infection. Therefore, vaccination with influenza and pneumonia vaccines can reduce the occurrence of lower respiratory tract infections, thereby reducing the occurrence of acute exacerbation of COPD.

Related knowledge: The origin of World COPD Day

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), COPD is currently the fourth leading cause of death in the world, after heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and acute lung infection, and tied for fourth place with AIDS. After active advocacy by respiratory disease experts from many countries, November 20, 2002 officially became the first World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Day, and it was proposed that the Wednesday of the third week of November each year be designated as World COPD Day.