Diagnosis of COPD
COPD is diagnosed using:
1. Pulmonary Function Test (PFT /
Spirometry)
- Measures airflow limitation
- Confirms COPD diagnosis
2. Chest X-ray
- Shows lung overinflation
- Helps rule out other conditions
3. CT Scan (HRCT Chest)
- Detects emphysema
- Assesses severity and lung damage
4. Blood Tests
- Oxygen levels
- Rule out infections
Role of CT Scan in COPD
CT scan plays an important role in:
- Detecting emphysema
- Assessing severity of lung damage
- Planning treatment
- Differentiating COPD from other
lung diseases
HRCT Chest is especially useful for detailed lung evaluation.
Treatment of COPD
COPD cannot be cured, but it can be controlled.
1. Lifestyle Changes
- Quit smoking 🚠(most important)
- Avoid pollution and dust
- Regular exercise
2. Medications
- Bronchodilators
- Inhaled corticosteroids
- Combination inhalers
3. Oxygen Therapy
- For severe COPD
4. Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- Breathing exercises
- Physical training
5. Vaccination
- Influenza vaccine
- Pneumococcal vaccine
Complications of COPD
If untreated, COPD can lead to:
- Frequent lung infections
- Respiratory failure
- Heart problems (cor pulmonale)
- Reduced quality of life
Prevention of COPD
- Avoid smoking
- Reduce exposure to pollutants
- Use protective equipment at
workplace
- Improve indoor ventilation
- Early diagnosis and treatment
COPD vs Asthma (Difference)
|
COPD |
Asthma |
|
Progressive
disease |
Reversible disease |
|
Usually after 40
years |
Often in childhood |
|
Mostly due to
smoking |
Allergy-related |
Living with COPD
With proper treatment and lifestyle changes, patients can:
- Control symptoms
- Reduce flare-ups
- Improve daily activity
- Live a better quality of life
Early diagnosis and regular follow-up are the keys.
Conclusion
COPD is a serious but manageable lung disease. Awareness, early
detection, quitting smoking, and proper medical care can significantly slow
disease progression.
Healthy lungs = Healthy life
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