Understanding COPD: Symptoms, types, causes and prevention tips

Causes of COPD: Smoking is the leading cause of COPD. When a person smokes cigarettes regularly, they inhale harmful chemicals such as tar and nicotine (Image: Canva)

If you find yourself coughing more often than usual, producing thick mucus, and feeling breathless after simple tasks like climbing stairs or walking across the room, it might be more than just a seasonal cold. These symptoms could be early signs of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), a progressive lung disease that is one of the leading causes of illness and death worldwide. COPD is caused by prolonged exposure to toxic air, primarily from smoking or pollution.

Pollution can come from burning organic and inorganic waste, industrial gases, and dust. Dr (prof) Bobby Bhalotra, Vice Chairman Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital , Delhi, shares the various symptoms, types, causes and prevention tips of COPD:

• Symptoms of COPD:

COPD patients often experience chronic cough, mucus production, and breathlessness. It usually starts gradually, with symptoms worsening over months, especially after seasonal changes or viral infections. As the disease progresses, patients feel increasingly weak, have trouble breathing, and may even cough up blood.

Also read | Boost lung health: Lower risk of asthma, COPD with these expert recommended lifestyle changes

• Types of COPD:

Emphysema: Patients become very thin and struggle to breathe, even with minimal activity.

Chronic bronchitis: Patients produce more mucus and may appear puffy or flushed.

Both types are equally debilitating. COPD patients may also face flare-ups, where mucus becomes thick and yellow-green, often with chest pain and more severe breathing difficulties.

• Causes of COPD:

Repeated exposure to toxic air due to smoking: Smoking is the leading cause of COPD. When a person smokes cigarettes regularly, they inhale harmful chemicals such as tar and nicotine. Over time, these toxins irritate the lungs, causing inflammation and damage to the airways. For example, a long-term smoker may experience persistent coughing and breathlessness, as their lung capacity is gradually reduced by repeated exposure to smoke.

Air pollution, caused by burning of organic and inorganic waste: In areas with poor waste management, the burning of trash, such as plastics, household waste, or agricultural residue, releases toxic fumes into the air. Say, in rural communities where crop residue is often burned, residents are exposed to harmful particulate matter, increasing their risk of developing COPD.

Industrial emissions and toxic gases: Workers in industries like mining, construction, and manufacturing are often exposed to harmful gases and chemicals. For example, someone working in a factory producing chemicals may inhale toxic gases over time, which can damage their lungs, leading to COPD. Even people living near industrial areas may face an increased risk due to polluted air.

Also read | COPD: Causes, symptoms and treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Exposure to dust: Environments with excessive dust, such as construction sites, mines, or farms, pose a risk of COPD. A construction worker exposed to cement dust or a miner inhaling coal dust over a prolonged period can develop respiratory issues. Chronic exposure to dust in such settings can cause the airways to become blocked or inflamed, contributing to the onset of COPD.

• Preventing COPD:

COPD is not a curable disease, but it is preventable. Awareness about the harmful effects of smoking and exposure to pollution, dust, and industrial gases is crucial. While COPD cannot be cured, avoiding these toxic air particles is the key to preventing it in the general population.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for more information.