COPD: Things You Should Know (Questions and Answers)

The book introduces COPD as an irreversible condition that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It explains how inflammation, remodeling, and emphysema damage the bronchial tree and alveoli, leading to airflow resistance, cough, and breathing difficulty. The stages of COPD, from mild to very severe, are also described.

Key risk factors are outlined, especially smoking, along with the harmful effects of nicotine, carbon monoxide, and tars. The book also covers passive smoking, genetic factors such as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, and the role of oxidative stress and free radicals.

Symptoms such as dyspnea, chronic cough, sputum production, muscular fatigue, and exacerbations are explained, along with complications like pulmonary hypertension, lung cancer, and heart disease.

Diagnostic methods include functional respiratory tests and imaging. Treatments are described, including bronchodilators, corticosteroids, antibiotics for bacterial infections, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and exercise such as walking or cycling. Nutrition and hydration are also discussed as supportive measures.

An informative source for students, healthcare workers, and general audiences interested in COPD, its causes, and how it can be managed.