What You Need to Know About COPD

7 Questions About COPD

Every year, the third Wednesday of November is observed as World COPD Day. Anadolu Health Center Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Esra Sönmez, noting that Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)—which is often overlooked, left untreated, and sometimes confused with asthma—is among the 5 diseases causing the most deaths worldwide according to World Health Organization data, stated: "Patients with COPD, whose symptoms such as coughing, sputum production, and shortness of breath progress insidiously over years, delay seeking medical care, making the treatment process more difficult. It is possible to slow disease progression through early diagnosis and appropriate treatment," she explained. COPD is a disease characterized by restriction of air flow during breathing due to narrowing of the airways in the lungs. Anadolu Health Center Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Esra Sönmez, noting that although COPD is very common in society, it remains insufficiently recognized, stated: "Yet it is a significant problem; it causes permanent loss of work capacity and can make the patient dependent on others." Sönmez summarized COPD, which is most frequently caused by tobacco use and ranks among the leading causes of death worldwide, in 7 questions.

When should COPD be suspected?

A person who experiences coughing that becomes more pronounced in winter months, morning sputum production, progressively worsening shortness of breath, and decreased exercise capacity compared to peers—and who also carries risk factors—should be suspected of having COPD.

Can COPD develop in people exposed to cigarette smoke?

COPD can develop in people continuously exposed to secondhand smoke. Additionally, COPD can result from exposure to chemical fumes and organic dust.

What happens when COPD is not treated or treatment is delayed?

Because symptoms such as coughing, sputum production, and shortness of breath are perceived as benign changes related to smoking, diagnosis of the disease is delayed. When untreated, it progresses gradually and manifests itself in moderate to advanced stages with exacerbations. Patients often seek medical care due to these exacerbations. Many patients who deteriorate rapidly either are hospitalized or require intensive care. Using respiratory function tests and imaging methods such as chest X-rays, the severity and stage of the disease should be determined, and the most appropriate treatment and follow-up plan should be prepared.

How is treatment approached?

If the patient is being diagnosed for the first time and is in an early stage, the most important treatment will be smoking cessation. If the patient is in an advanced stage, it is first important to inform the patient about the disease and possible complications. Drug therapy, oxygen therapy or respiratory support if needed, respiratory physiotherapy, nutrition and diet are among the primary treatment methods applied. Of course, during this period, helping patients quit smoking—as in every stage of COPD—is very important.

Do COPD patients experience COVID-19 more severely?

In COPD, both the breakdown of protective barriers in the bronchial walls and lung tissue damage make the person more susceptible to infections, and the recovery period of infections that develop is longer. COVID-19 studies have shown that the presence of COPD is an important risk factor for more severe and fatal progression of COVID-19 infection. In studies, mortality rates in COPD patients over 45 years of age who smoke can rise to 55-60 percent in proportion to COPD severity.

How should COPD patients protect themselves from COVID-19?

COPD patients should maintain safe distances from others and return home with minimal contact with people in the shortest time possible. COPD patients who continue to smoke should quit smoking as soon as possible. A strong immune system is very important in fighting infections; therefore, attention should be paid to basic factors that boost immunity such as healthy nutrition, regular exercise, and regular and adequate sleep.

How can a COPD patient improve quality of life?

• By not smoking • By getting vaccinated against COVID-19, influenza, and pneumonia • By taking COPD medications regularly • By doing regular, light exercise • By eating healthily and in a balanced manner • By staying away from stress as much as possible • By receiving continuous oxygen therapy if recommended by a doctor • By taking measures to reduce exacerbations