What are the early warning signs of COPD?
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that can often result in breathing problems, cough, mucus production, and wheezing. It usually occurs due to interaction with harmful gases for a long time and even from smoking as well. People suffering from COPD are more vulnerable to heart diseases, lung cancer, and other problems.
Though COPD is a progressive disease that gets worsened with time, yet it is treatable. So, if you experience any of the below-mentioned symptoms, ensure consulting the best pulmonologist in Jaipur for the best treatment:
- A breathing problem such as shortness of breath, etc.
- Wheezing
- Mucus production
- Cough
- Chest tightness
- Lack of energy
- Swelling of ankles, feet, or legs
- Respiratory infections
Causes of COPD
The main cause of COPD is smoking. Those individuals who have the habit of smoking and taking tobacco have more chances of suffering from COPD as compared to others. Moreover, people who have exposure to burning fuel fumes for cooking also have chances to suffer from COPD.
Besides this, there are some other factors also which play a key role in the occurrence of COPD. It includes cigar smoking, secondhand smoking, pipe smoking, air pollution, workplace exposure to dust, smoke and fumes, etc.
If you have a long smoking history and are still diagnosed with less common lung conditions, you may be misdiagnosed by the pulmonologist. Make sure to go for a thorough evaluation of COPD and if diagnosed with a severe problem, consult your doctor and go for the best COPD treatment in Jaipur.
Risk factors of COPD
Risk factors associated with COPD are:
- The most common risk factor related to COPD is cigarette smoking. the more you smoke, the more you are vulnerable to COPD.
- Asthma is also a risk factor for developing COPD. It is basically a chronic inflammatory airway disease that may increase the risk of COPD if the individual has the habit of smoking also.
- Long-term exposure to dust, smoke, chemical fumes, etc. can inflame the lungs.
- Genetical factors
Complications
COPD can result in many complications if not treated on time such as:
- Respiratory infections including cold, flu, pneumonia, etc.
- Heart problems such as heart attack
- Lung cancer
- High blood pressure
- Depression
Prevention
If you truly want to stay away from COPD or want to reduce its effect, just quit smoking and it will automatically reduce the risk of heart and lung diseases. Also, get a flu vaccination and pneumonia vaccination to prevent infections. Moreover, try to keep your nose and mouth covered if you work at a workplace exposure to chemical fumes or dust and smoke.
Final words
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a lung disease that does not appear until the lungs damage up to a significant level. If the smoking exposure continues, the problem can become breathtaking too. So doctors usually recommend early diagnoses of COPD for better treatment and eliminating its harmful effects. For more information, you can contact the best pulmonologist in Jaipur and can get the best treatment at the most affordable prices.