The disease
is a common chronic lung disease in which there is a permanent blockage of the airflow in the bronchi, causing a disturbance in ventilation and gas exchange in the lungs.
The disease manifests itself mainly in coughing, phlegm emission and shortness of breath that worsen over the years. The disease is accompanied by frequent episodes of exacerbations – usually due to a respiratory infection.
This is a disease that worsens over time, even if the patient is no longer exposed to the cause of the disease.

 

Causes of the disease
Smoking causes 80 per cent of cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. About 20 per cent of morbidity cases are due to occupational exposure. or genetic background.
The global incidence of COPD is on the rise, and it is expected that by 2025 it will be the third leading cause of death in the world and the fifth leading cause of disability. Those suffering from the disease are mainly aged 55 and over.

 

Symptoms

 

  • Coughwith phlegm.
  • Increased production of sputum.
  • Repeated bouts ofshortness of breath – especially during exertion, sometimes even after light exertion.
  • Dizziness when breathing
  • Pressure in the chest area that worsens when coughing.

How is it diagnosed?
A physical examination can reveal characteristics of the disease such as a longer period of exhalation of air from the lungs, loud breathing accompanied by a kind of moan or wheezing and enlarged dimensions of the chest, the so-called “barrel-like chest”.
When COPD is in its more advanced stages, sufferers tend to breathe with pursed lips or in a body position that alleviates shortness of breath, such as leaning forward or leaning on outstretched palms.
In addition to the physical examination and obtaining details from the patient about his disease (anamnesis), COPD can be diagnosed byexamining lung function (spirometry). In this test, the patient exhales into a tube (spirometer), through which various parameters of exhalation and breathing are measured.
It should be emphasized: an examination of lung function is a mandatory test for diagnosing the disease and monitoring its rate of development.

The treatment of COPD is done using three components:
Preventive treatment – quitting smoking and avoiding areas with a lot of smoke and dust
Drug treatment – in any suspected lung infection, early antibiotic treatment is given, to prevent the worsening of the disease. In recent years, long-term bronchodilators have been added to the treatment of COPD, which have been found to be effective and good preparations for improving shortness of breath in these patients. It is also very important to get vaccinated against the flu, Since vaccination is most significant for COPD
patientschanging lifestyle habits – this change includes health education, physical training and group support.
The disease is characterized by flare-ups and remissions. During a flare-up, breathing complications may occur, including pneumonia and rarely pulmonary insufficiency that requires artificial respiration.
In a small number of cases, COPD may worsen over time to the point that the patient is confined to a wheelchair and is constantly connected to an oxygen generator (a device that increases the amount of oxygen the patient breathes)..

Living with the disease
COPD patients – need help with supportive equipment that enriches oxygen mainly by oxygen generator and nutrition
The technology of oxygen enrichment has developed over the years and already today it is possible to find lightweight and convenient devices that can dramatically improve life span and avoid loss of social and leisure life Until today stationary generators were mainly for home use and for use outside the doors of the house it was necessary to carry an oxygen balloon which was cumbersome, Heavy and “shameful”.

If you want to maintain your quality of life or that of your loved ones, not to miss a moment and to be free and unchained, we are available for you 24/7 for any inquiry.
The disease cannot be cured completely, but early diagnosis and adherence to a healthy lifestyle together with continuous treatment may significantly delay the deterioration of the disease and prevent severe damage to quality of life. One of the most important ways to cope with the disease is to immediately stop smoking. This will prevent worsening of damage to the lungs – which will enable more effective treatment.Lung rehabilitation is an important component of treatment and is based on regular physical activity adapted to the patient’s condition. Such rehabilitation increases the ability of patients to make physical efforts.