Overview
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is defined as a preventable and treatable disease characterized by persistent airflow limitation that is usually progressive and associated with an enhanced chronic inflammatory response inn the airways and the lung to noxious particles or gases .
It includes chronic bronchitis ( cough and sputum for at least 3 consecutive months in each of 2 consecutive years ) and emphysema ( abnormal permanent enlargement of the airspaces distal to the terminal bronchioles )
Symptoms
Cough with sputum ( yellow /green/white )
Shortness of breath
Tightness of chest
Weight loss
Edema ( swelling ) of legs ,ankles ,feet
Causes
Exposure to tobacco smoke
Occupational exposure to coal dust , silica and cadmium
Low birth weight
Childhood infections and maternal smoking may affect growth of lung during childhood
Recurrent infections
Low socioeconomic status
Cannabis smoking
Genetic factors include alpha antitrypsin deficiency
Airway hyper reactivity
Complications
Pneumothorax
Recurrent lung infection
Atrial fibriilation
Heart failure
Sleep apnea
Osteoporosis
Depression and anxiety
