Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease : Leading Cause Of Death Worldwide
According to the World Health Organization, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the fourth-leading cause of death worldwide, causing 3.5 million deaths in 2021.
- It is a condition caused by damage to the lungs that results in breathing difficulties.
- The damage, which is inflammation and scarring, can be in the airways to the lungs, in the air sacs of the lungs, or both.
- Types of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- Chronic bronchitis: It is caused by inflammation of the lining of the airways, or the tubes that bring air into your lungs. When these bronchi are inflamed, they become narrower, leading to restricted airflow, and causing the formation of extra, thick mucus, making it hard to breathe, and causing coughing.
- Emphysema: It develops when the air sacs of the lungs, known as alveoli, are damaged. This makes it difficult for the lungs to pass adequate oxygen into the bloodstream, causing shortness of breath.
- Causes: One of the main causes of COPD is smoking and another is indoor air pollution.
- Symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- A cough with mucus that lasts for three months or more at a time;
- Experiencing tightness in the chest;
- Shortness of breath especially during physical activities;
- Wheezing or whistling sounds in the breath;
- Frequent chest infections and fatigue or extreme tiredness.
- Treatment: There is no cure for COPD. Treatment is based on the severity and is focused on managing symptoms and reducing flare ups.
