A Matter of Life and Breath
That nagging "smoker’s cough" could be more serious than you think. It may be a symptom of serious lung disease known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD for short. COPD is the result of damage to the lung, usually by smoking. It is an umbrella term for two disease processes:
1. Emphysema – where the structure of the lung is broken down causing the airways to collapse and block airflow
2. Chronic Bronchitis – where the damage to the lung leads to narrowing of airways and mucus production, which blocks the airways
People with COPD usually have some combination of these two disease processes and may find it difficult to breathe from time to time.
The Ontario Lung Association estimates that 1 in 10 people over the age of 40 may have COPD. The best way to diagnose COPD is with a test called spirometry. To learn how the spirometry test works, go to:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/spirometry/MY00413
COPD can be managed most effectively if it is diagnosed as early as possible. There is no cure for COPD, but the best approach is to stop the damage to the lungs and to maximize your remaining lung function.
For most people, stopping the damage to the lungs associated with COPD means quitting smoking and staying away from other airborne irritants like wood fire smoke or industrial chemicals. Admittedly, quitting smoking can be extremely difficult because many people are profoundly addicted to nicotine. Other people find it difficult to stop smoking because it is such an ingrained habit or method of coping with stress or emotions. Your doctor can help make it easier for you to quit – to find out how, see:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hc-ps/tobac-tabac/body-corps/aid-eng.php
There’s a wide range of medical treatments for smoking cessation, from nicotine replacement patches, gum, lozenges and inhalers to pills like Zyban and Champix. People with COPD may also maximize their lung function by doing breathing exercises and staying as physically active as they can tolerate.
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Dr. Karl's Take Home Message:
1. COPD may affect one in 10 Canadians over age 40 – and most people with COPD are smokers, or have been smokers
2. Anyone 40 years of age or older who ever smoked in their lifetime should consider getting screened for COPD with spirometry testing, which can be arranged by your family doctor
3. Quitting Smoking is essential for people with COPD – it won’t cure the disease but it will help to stop it from progressing
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