What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?

COPD is a major public health problem all over the world, and according to the Global Burden of Disease Study, it causes 2.9 million deaths annually.. COPD, which has become the 3rd cause of death worldwide today, is responsible for %5.5 of all deaths.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a lung disease that is progressive and not fully reversible, but is preventable and treatable. COPD narrows the airways and makes breathing difficult. In COPD, which usually develops on the basis of chronic bronchitis and emphysema, patients have complaints of cough, sputum production and shortness of breath.

The most important risk factor for COPD is smoking. Smokers have more respiratory complaints, greater loss of respiratory function, and higher COPD death rates than non-smokers. Other types of tobacco use (pipe, cigar, hookah, etc.) and environmental tobacco smoke also cause the development of COPD. On the other hand, especially biomass, that is, wood, dung, etc. indoor air pollution due to the burning of fuels and working in dusty and smoky workplaces; It is known that these are the most important environmental risk factors. A diagnosis of COPD should be considered in people with a history of exposure to risk factors and in patients with cough, sputum production and shortness of breath on exertion. However, the diagnosis must be confirmed by respiratory function tests.

For an effective treatment program, evaluation and monitoring of the disease, reduction of risk factors, pharmacological treatment and non-pharmacological treatment approaches (respiratory rehabilitation programs, oxygen therapy and surgical interventions applied in a limited number of cases) are important.

It is important for our patients to live a quality life with accurate and early diagnosis of COPD and appropriate and adequate treatment. To avoid developing COPD, quit smoking.

Your breath is your life.

Dr. Derlen Ozgec

Chest Diseases Specialist

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