COPD - Treatment, Diet, and Medical Information You Need to Know

Smoking kills. This statement is now found on many cigarette packs, and it is no longer a theory or a secret. The health damages caused by smoking are extensive, from harm to the respiratory tract to damage to blood vessels.

Despite numerous warnings, not many people are actually aware of the specific diseases and physical conditions smoking can cause. One of these diseases is COPD - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, which in most cases results from smoking and worsens over time.

(Un)pleasant to meet: What is COPD?

COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is characterized by a persistent blockage of airflow in the bronchi, causing trouble in lung ventilation and gas exchange. It generally appears around age 50 and is progressive, meaning it cannot be completely cured. Without proper treatment, it worsens over time. It is slightly more common in men compared to women and is also more deadly among men.

About 85% of COPD cases result from active smoking or prolonged exposure to secondhand smoke. The remaining 15% of cases are due to occupational exposure to pollutants, such as industrial fumes or vehicle emissions.

(photo: shutterstock)

COPD is not a genetic disease, but certain genetic backgrounds may increase the risk of developing it if there's exposure to smoking or pollutants.

The condition is marked by exacerbations with symptoms similar to asthma. However, the differences are clear: asthma usually appears at a young age on an allergic or genetic basis, while COPD develops due to smoking exposure in older age. Both have flare-ups, but while asthma typically returns to a calm state between exacerbations, COPD results in a gradual condition deterioration with a persistent bronchial obstruction.

COPD is actually a combination of two types of lung damage: chronic bronchitis, which is an inflammatory response creating airflow obstruction, and emphysema - also known as "lung overinflation," where lung tissue destruction causes gas exchange issues, leading to shortness of breath and respiratory failure.

Diagnosis: How do I know if I have COPD?

Symptoms indicating COPD development include the buildup of mucus and phlegm, a strong cough with phlegm, occasional chest pressure, shortness of breath especially after physical effort, wheezing, and more.

These symptoms are not one-time occurrences but manifest repeatedly and worsen, given that COPD is a progressive disease.

When suspected of having COPD, a doctor conducts several simple tests. A routine physical examination might reveal typical signs of the disease, such as prolonged exhalation, groans or wheezing accompanying breathing, and a "barrel chest". If the disease is in a more advanced stage, additional signs include pursed-lip breathing and certain postures easing breathing, such as leaning forward resting on hands.

To diagnose the disease and its progression rate, a spirometry test is conducted to assess lung function. Sometimes, tests are performed under the influence of bronchial dilators to check the response and the drugs' impact on lung performance.

So I have OCPD. What's next?

The primary and most important treatment for COPD is smoking cessation. As mentioned, disease onset can be entirely prevented by avoiding smoking. Even those already affected can significantly slow the disease’s course and worsening by immediately stopping smoking. Various cessation aids can help in quitting. Quitting smoking is the most significant and important treatment step, aiding both in the short and long term.

Common treatments involve inhalers containing steroids to reduce respiratory tract inflammation and substances aiding bronchi dilation. Recommended treatment involves inhalers combining both therapies to provide immediate disease attack relief and prevent them over time.

During periods of disease worsening and frequent attacks, antibiotics might be needed to treat respiratory infections causing attacks. Complications like pneumonia necessitate appropriate treatment during attacks.

If the disease is in more advanced and severe stages, pulmonary rehabilitation might be recommended. This involves a personalized dietary change, monitored physical activity, and more.

It’s crucial to note that in certain cases, if the disease severely worsens, it may result in the patient being wheelchair-bound and constantly using an oxygen generator for breathing. Rarely, complications like respiratory failure necessitate artificial ventilation.

In some OCPD cases, lung reduction surgery might be advised to reduce attacks, and rarely, even lung transplantation surgery is considered. This complex and risk-laden surgery can be advised in specific situations and can significantly improve symptoms and restore normal activity.

Post-COPD attacks, the body might take time to recover, especially if pneumonia complicates the attack. Early medical treatment can shorten recovery.

COPD patients maintaining a healthy diet, moderate exercise, and a generally healthy lifestyle can prevent significant life quality deterioration and significantly slow disease progress. Early disease diagnosis and diligent, effective treatment are vital to prevent complications and life quality damage.

COPD bearers are advised to receive annual flu vaccines and pneumonia vaccines every five years.

Diet: What should I eat if I have COPD?

COPD patients, especially in advanced stages, require a higher calorie intake due to increased breathing effort. However, disease symptoms cause many affected to eat less, worsening the condition. It’s not uncommon for COPD patients to also suffer from malnutrition.

Studies indicate that a fat-rich, carbohydrate-poor diet might benefit COPD patients by reducing carbon dioxide production. Preferred foods include unsaturated fats, reducing saturated or trans fats. Carbohydrates should be minimized and whole carbs (whole grains, brown rice, fruits) should be chosen over simple ones (white sugar, flour, juices, sweetened drinks). 20-30 grams of dietary fiber is recommended daily, increasing high-quality protein intake to maintain respiratory muscles.

(photo: shutterstock)

Frequently, COPD patients find eating itself exhausting. It is suggested to eat slowly and avoid talking during meals. Smaller, frequent meals are recommended over large, spaced ones. Avoiding bloating-inducing foods is advised, as it can hinder breathing. To alleviate breathing, it's advised not to drink during meals and to stay hydrated about an hour after eating.

COPD patients are also encouraged to engage in physical activity to strengthen the body and respiratory paths. However, any physical activity significantly hinders breathing, requiring close medical supervision and full guidance to prevent harm from excessive activity.