Why Does COPD Cause an Overproduction of Phlegm?
The lining of your airways produces mucus to keep the airways moist and supple. This mucus also flushes the airways of the dust and particles that you breathe in. Some people with COPD produce too much of this mucus which becomes thicker and is coughed up as sputum or phlegm.The reason that COPD patients over produce this mucus is because they have breathed in small particles and dust. This is usually from smoking cigarettes, or less commonly from living in a polluted area or working in a dusty place such as a coal mine. Read more about how the respiratory system works.
Why is COPD Considered an Obstructive Lung Disease?
Your airways are surrounded by muscle that can hold them open or squeeze them, making them narrow. In COPD, these muscles may squeeze your airways a bit too tightly, obstructing (and decreasing) air flow in and out of the lungs. In addition, smoking and dust particles may cause the lining of your airways to become swollen and inflamed, making it even more difficult to breathe. Read more about the types of lung diseases.
At What Age Do People With COPD Begin To Notice Symptoms?
In general, people with COPD first notice they are having breathing difficulties at around 40 to 50 years of age. You may notice that you feel breathless, tired, or have been experiencing repeated lung infections. Many people with COPD find that they have had a cough with phlegm for many years, and their breathing has gradually become more difficult. Other people with COPD may have had asthma for years and then have started to notice that their treatment didn't work as long as it used to. Read more about the signs and symptoms of COPD.
Are There Any Other Causes of COPD Besides Smoking?
Although more than 80% of COPD patients are or were smokers, there are many other causes of COPD. Exposure to occupational and environmental pollutants, genetic factors, allergies and asthma, nutrition, periodontal disease, low birth weight, and your age, gender and ethnic background are also contributing risk factors for COPD. Read more about what causes COPD.
How Does Treatment Help People With COPD?
Although the damage to your lungs cannot be repaired, the aim of your COPD treatment is to prevent further complications and to make your breathing as easy as possible.COPD treatment is based on the severity (stage) of the disease. Mild COPD can be treated with short acting inhaled beta-agonists such as albuterol, or a combination inhalant containing anticholinergics and beta-agonists. Moderate COPD can be treated with one or more bronchodilators or inhaled anticholinergics. Severe COPD can be treated with one or more bronchodilators, inhaled glucocorticosteroids, and inhaled anticholinergics. Oxygen and mucus thinners, such as guaifenasic may also be prescribed when COPD is severe. Read more about how COPD is staged and treated.
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Source: Living With COPD
Created: 11/12/05
