COPD

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is Chronic Bronchitis (inflammation and swelling of the lining of bronchial tubes) and Emphysema (decreased functional capacity of the lungs).

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic disease that makes it hard for the patient to breathe. It is a progressive disease - meaning, it gets worse with time.

A patient with COPD coughs a lot and the coughing brings up a large amount of mucus.In addition, some people with COPD may also have asthma-like symptoms. People with COPD may have worsening attacks from time to time, called acute exacerbations.

Different people may react to COPD in different ways. However, the most common symptoms are:

• A cough, with or without phlegm, lasting for months or years
• Shortness of breath initially upon exertion but eventually at rest
• Wheezing

Some patients may also:

• Become tired easily
• Feel like they are hungry for air

The majority of people who suffer from COPD are either current regular smokers or people who used to smoke regularly. Air pollution, chemical fumes, and/ or dust may also contribute to the development of COPD. However, smoking is by far the largest factor.

The first step to find out if you have COPD is scheduling an appointment with your doctor and getting a good evaluation, including a detailed medical and work history and physical examination. The doctor may do a number of tests to evaluate your breathing status.

These may include:

• Breathing Tests (also called pulmonary function tests or Spirometry)
• Chest X-ray
• Oxygen level measurements

COPD is a chronic illness which worsens with age, but theres a lot you can do that may help you feel better.

The key ways to manage COPD are:

• Stop smoking
• Stay fit.Fitness includes eating right, exercising and avoiding things that could hurt your lungs (smoking, dust, etc.)
• Take medicines regularly that your doctor recommends. These might include bronchodilators for maintenance therapy, antibiotics to treat an infection in the airways or lungs or steroids to reduce inflammation in the lungs.

The Department of Pulmonary Medicine at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital provides state-of-the-art care for all respiratory diseases.

The department is well equipped with an Ultra Modern Pulmonary Function Lab for Spirometry, Lung Volumes, Diffusion Capacity, 6 minute walk test and oxygen saturation.

The department has a skilled team of full time consultants, nurses and rehabilitation therapists. Along with diagnosis and treatment, smoking cessation counseling and disease management help is also available in the form of our Respiratory Nurse. The hospital also has an advanced physical rehabilitation therapy department to help with chest physiotherapy and other rehabilitation therapy.