COPD is a progressive lung disease that includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and irreversible asthma.
The primary cause is smoking, which is also a cause of many other diseases, followed by air pollution, long-term exposure to chemicals and dust, genetic factors, age, and gender. The most prominent symptoms include persistent cough, sputum production, difficulty breathing, and over time, weakness, apathy, and depression may also be observed. Additionally, cyanosis may occur in areas such as the fingertips, earlobes, and lips.
How is Asthma Treated?
Two types of medications are used in asthma treatment: control medications and relief medications. The course of treatment is decided by your doctor, and regular check-ups are very important.
What Precautions Can Be Taken Against Allergic Asthma?
Patients should avoid factors that trigger allergies such as house dust mites, pollen, animal fur, and mold. Protective measures like wearing sunglasses should be taken when going outside. The face and hands should be washed frequently.
Is Humid Air or Dry Air Better for Respiratory Failure?
Respiratory failure is a condition where the respiratory system fails to efficiently exchange oxygen and carbon monoxide, resulting in inadequate oxygen supply to the blood and systemic organs. Treatment is conducted in intensive care, but for patients who have surpassed the critical phase, dry air, rather than humid air, is beneficial.
What Are the Fundamental Characteristics of COPD?
COPD is a progressive and permanent lung disease that encompasses emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and irreversible asthma. It arises in the lungs due to difficulty in breathing, airway narrowing, and loss of elasticity. The most common symptoms of COPD include chronic cough, sputum production, shortness of breath, and increasing fatigue over time. In advanced stages of the disease, cyanosis, palpitations, weight loss, and frequent infection attacks may occur.
Causes of COPD
The most common cause of COPD is smoking. Cigarette smoke damages the alveoli in the lungs, causing irreversible damage. However, COPD can also affect passive smokers. Other causes can be listed as:
- Long-term exposure to air pollution
- Contact with chemical substances and dust
- Genetic predisposition (for example, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency)
- Age and gender (more common in older age and males)
Distinguishing Features of Asthma from Other Diseases
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that develops as a result of temporary narrowing of the airways. In asthma patients, attacks characterized by shortness of breath, chest tightness, and dry cough occur. Asthma symptoms usually become more prominent at night or early in the morning.
Types of Asthma
There can be different types of asthma. The most common type is allergic asthma. Allergens such as pollen, mold, dust mites, animal hair, and chemical odors can trigger attacks in this type. Exercise-induced asthma, occupational asthma, and night-time asthma are other types.
Treatment Processes: COPD and Asthma Treatment—How is COPD Treated?
The aim in COPD treatment is to stop the progression of the disease and improve quality of life. The methods used in treatment include:
- Inhaler bronchodilator medications: They widen the airways.
- Corticosteroids: They reduce inflammation.
- Oxygen therapy: Oxygen support is provided in advanced stages.
- Pulmonary rehabilitation: Exercises to strengthen the respiratory muscles are applied.
- Quitting smoking: This is the most effective step in treatment.
Medications Used in Asthma Treatment
Asthma treatment is usually managed with two main groups of medications:
- Control medications: Used regularly to prevent asthma attacks.
- Relief medications: Used to quickly alleviate sudden attacks.
Before starting treatment, the patient's type of asthma should be identified, and triggering factors should be determined. Use of medication without doctor supervision is not recommended. Regular follow-up is an essential part of the treatment process.
Lifestyle Changes Can Help Manage the Disease
Lifestyle changes are important in both diseases as much as medication treatment. Especially for allergic asthma patients, avoiding triggers is crucial. Therefore:
- Items that collect dust such as carpets, curtains, and pillows should be minimized in living areas
- Homes should be regularly ventilated
- A mask and sunglasses should be used when going outside during high pollen seasons
- Frequent washing of hands and face reduces allergen contact
For COPD patients, quitting smoking, exercising, avoiding infections, and maintaining a healthy diet support the treatment.
Is Humid Air or Dry Air More Beneficial?
Appropriate air conditions are very important for individuals with respiratory failure. Although patients generally think that humid air is better, this is not always true. Dry and clean air is preferred for COPD patients who have overcome the critical phase or individuals with respiratory failure. Humid air may cause narrowing in the bronchi under certain conditions. It is advised to maintain proper humidity balance within the home using air purifiers and dehumidifiers to keep the environment under control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between COPD and asthma?
COPD and asthma are similar respiratory diseases, but their origins and progressions differ. Asthma usually starts in childhood, is triggered by environmental allergens, and occurs in attacks. COPD typically emerges in older ages and results in progressive, permanent damage. Smoking is one of the main causes of COPD. Genetic predisposition and allergies are more prominent in asthma. While asthma can be completely controlled with treatment, treatment in COPD can only slow the progression.
What should COPD patients pay attention to?
COPD patients should completely avoid smoking and smoky environments. In addition, regular vaccinations should be taken to protect against infections like flu and pneumonia, heavy exercise-related activities should be avoided, and regular exercise should be done. Stress and weather changes should be avoided as much as possible, and indoor air quality should be kept high.
Can asthma be completely cured?
Asthma is a chronic condition. With properly applied treatment and regular doctor follow-ups, symptoms can be fully controlled. Asthma patients can lead a healthy life for many years without experiencing attacks. In this process, regular medication use and avoiding triggers are the most important factors.
Is COPD genetic?
Although COPD is generally a disease caused by environmental factors, genetic predisposition can also play a role in some cases. Individuals with “alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency” are at increased risk for COPD. Therefore, individuals with a family history of COPD should avoid risk factors like smoking and should not neglect regular health checkups.