Shortness of breath that occurs when walking fast may be a sign of COPD
Stating that the most important risk factor causing the development of COPD all over the world is tobacco use, Assoc. Prof. Dr. İrfan Eser said, “Symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough and sputum are observed in COPD. Shortness of breath, which occurs as a result of activities such as fast walking, climbing stairs or running in the initial stage, becomes a problem that can be observed even during sleep in the later stages of the disease.”
Medical Park Antalya Hospital Complex Thoracic Surgery Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. İrfan Eser made important statements due to November 20 World COPD Day (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). Stating that the most important risk factor that causes the development of COPD all over the world is tobacco use, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eser pointed out that the lung capacity is greatly reduced due to the disease. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eser stated that in COPD disease, symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough and sputum are observed, especially shortness of breath, since sufficient oxygen delivery to the tissues cannot be provided.
“Smoking and tobacco use is the most important risk factor”
Referring to the causes of COPD, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eser said, “COPD is a common, preventable and treatable lung disease characterized by cough, sputum and progressive shortness of breath that develops as a result of airway narrowing caused by long-term damage to lung tissue. The most important risk factor for the development of COPD is smoking. Pipe, cigar and hookah use are also among the causes of COPD. Exposure to organic and inorganic dusty environments, chemical substances and substances containing vapors due to the place where the person lives or occupation can cause COPD. We can list indoor air pollution caused by exposure to dust, smoke and harmful gases, organic fuels called 'biomass' used for heating or cooking in indoor environments, wood, dung, plant roots and coal smoke as other causes.”
“Prolonged cough is common”
Speaking about the symptoms of COPD, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eser said, “Symptoms such as cough and sputum, especially shortness of breath, are observed. Shortness of breath, which occurs as a result of activities such as fast walking, climbing stairs or running in the initial stage, becomes a problem that can be observed even during sleep in the later stages of the disease. Although cough and sputum problem is seen as a symptom that occurs only in the morning hours in the initial stages, COPD symptoms such as severe cough and dense sputum can be seen as the disease progresses.”
“Stop smoking, get vaccinated against influenza and pneumonia”
Stating that the only factor that slows down the rapid deterioration in lung function in COPD is smoking cessation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eser said, “The main goals of treating the disease include alleviating the symptoms of the disease, reducing damage to the airways and improving the oxygenation of the lungs. In this context, it is very important that the patient is informed about the disease and encouraged to participate in the treatment. Getting flu and pneumonia vaccinations to protect against exacerbations and pneumonia that worsen the course of the disease, adopting an active lifestyle, being supported to quit tobacco and tobacco products, using drugs that have a breathing effect, called 'inhalers' and applied through the respiratory tract properly and regularly are points that should not be ignored in treatment.”
