COPD

COPD is a lung disease in which the lungs are damaged. COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, meaning a long-term obstructive lung disease.

What is COPD?

COPD is a collective term for lung diseases in which the lungs are damaged and do not recover. It involves two different lung diseases. These diseases cause a narrowing of the airways. This makes breathing difficult. Because the lungs do not work properly, less oxygen enters the blood. The body needs oxygen to function well. Reduced oxygen leads to shortness of breath. As a result, all activities require more effort. The body has to work harder to deliver enough oxygen to organs and muscles.

The two lung diseases that fall under COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Chronic bronchitis
In chronic bronchitis, the bronchi are inflamed. The bronchi are the branches between the windpipe and the lungs. Due to the inflammation, more mucus is produced. This causes narrowing and shortness of breath.

Emphysema
In emphysema, the alveoli are damaged. These are the smallest branches in the lungs. They ensure that oxygen passes into the blood. When there are fewer alveoli, the blood absorbs less oxygen.

What causes COPD?

The cause is damage to the airways. The most important cause is smoking. But particulate matter (fine dust) can also be a cause. Particulate matter consists of very small particles. Hereditary diseases, asthma, or other lung diseases can also cause COPD.

What are the symptoms of COPD?

There are many symptoms associated with COPD. Shortness of breath is particularly common. The main symptoms are:

• Shortness of breath
• Coughing
• Breathlessness
• Producing mucus
• Fatigue

The complaints can also suddenly worsen. This is called a flare-up. During a flare-up, damage can occur that does not recover. The more severe the COPD, the more frequent the flare-ups.

How does COPD progress?

The course varies for everyone and depends on the symptoms. Four stages are distinguished: mild, moderate, severe, and very severe COPD. This is also referred to as GOLD I, II, III, and IV. How well the lungs function determines the stage of COPD. The pulmonologist determines the stage based on lung function tests.

In COPD, the lungs are so damaged that they can no longer recover. With proper treatment, further deterioration can be limited. More on this in the next section.

What are the treatments for COPD?

The best treatment for smokers is to stop smoking. In addition, improving fitness and using medications are treatment options.

With better fitness, the healthy parts of the lungs function better. This leads to less fatigue. The breathing muscles also become stronger, which reduces shortness of breath.

Medications for COPD slow the progression. The most commonly used medications are bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs. Bronchodilators reduce airway narrowing. Anti-inflammatory drugs reduce inflammation in the lungs.

Physical therapy
Physical therapy is the most important therapy for COPD. Using a protocol (prescribed approach), targeted work can be done to improve fitness. Flare-ups can be prevented or postponed with this.

The branch of physical therapy that specializes in COPD is pulmonary physical therapy. In many practices in the Netherlands, you will find specialized pulmonary physical therapists who treat patients with COPD. See here for an overview of pulmonary physical therapists.