Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
COPD is usually irreversible airway obstruction caused by narrowing and destruction of airways due to exposure to noxious gases like cigarette smoke.
It is characterized by coughing and progressive breathlessness.
Most common cause of COPD is smoking. Other causes includes old infection like TB or Pnemonia, exposure to chemicals and organic dust at work place.
Diagnosis is based on clinical history, Xray Chest, HRCT Thorax and Pulmonary function test
Treatment includes inhalers, some tablets and regular breathing exercise.
Smoking cessation and good physiotherapy remains mainstay of COPD treatment along with regular flu and pneumococcal vaccination.
