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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a preventable respiratory disease characterised by airflow limitation
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It encompasses emphysema and chronic bronchitis. In emphysema, there is abnormal dilatation of the airspaces. In chronic bronchitis, there is a history of productive cough
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COPD occurs due to airflow limitation. There maybe obstruction to the small airways, or they may become narrowed due to mucus secretions
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Cigarette smoking is one of the most common risk factors for COPD. Increased duration and amount of smoking can predispose to this condition
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Passive smoking, along with environmental tobacco smoke that is involuntarily inhaled by a non-smoker can also enhance the risk, especially from a pipe or cigar
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The cough in COPD often is only seen during winters. However, later it may become more frequent especially during early morning
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Breathlessness may creep up on the person slowly, and is result of airway obstruction. It can be aggravated by infections and smoking
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A chest X-ray may be advised to confirm the diagnosis. Pulmonary function test, CT Scans & lung volume measurement are also done to check the extent of the disease
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If not timely treated, it can lead to secondary bacterial infections, carbon dioxide narcosis, respiratory failure and even tuberculosis
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Smoking must be completely stopped, and nicotine replacement therapy is encouraged by using chewing gums, transdermal patches or nasal sprays