Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma

Question 1

What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?

Answer 1

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease in which the person has difficulty breathing because of damage to the lungs.

In a person with COPD, the airways become partly obstructed and the alveolar sacs lose their ability to fill with air, making it difficult for air to be inhaled and exhaled.

Question 2

What is the most common cause of COPD?

Answer 2

The most common cause of COPD is cigarette smoking but it may also be caused by inhaling other types of lung irritants, pollution, dust or chemicals over a long period of time.

Question 3

What are signs and symptoms of COPD?

Answer 3

Signs and symptoms include the following:

1. Coughing up a great deal of mucus
2. A tendency to tire easily
3. Loss of appetite
4. Bent posture with shoulders elevated and lips pursed to make breathing easier
5. A fast pulse
6. Round, barrel-shaped chest
7. Confusion (caused by lack of oxygen to the brain)

People with COPD require help focusing on breathing, as deep breaths help fill the lungs with air and maintain flexibility in the chest wall. They can learn special breathing exercises to help them relax and breathe slowly, which increases the flow of oxygen to the lungs.

Question 4

What is asthma?

Answer 4

Asthma is an ongoing illness involving airway swelling and inflammation that is more common in children and young adults. Exposure to a trigger, such as exercise, cold air, allergens or other irritants, affects the airways, causing them to swell and narrow.

Question 5

What are signs and symptoms of asthma?

Answer 5

Signs and symptoms include:

1. coughing or wheezing noises
2. difficulty breathing
3. shortness of breath
4. sweating
5. tightness in the chest
6. rapid and shallow breathing
7. inability to talk without stopping for breathing
8. bent posture with elevated shoulders
9. pursed lips
10. feelings of fear and confusion