Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Breathing is something most of us take for granted, until it becomes difficult. For millions worldwide, every breath is a daily challenge due to COPD. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a long-term lung condition that gradually restricts airflow and worsens over time. Often mistaken for a persistent cough or mild breathlessness, COPD is frequently diagnosed late, after significant lung damage has occurred. Recognising the early symptoms is critical.

In this blog, we explain COPD symptoms, examine its causes, and outline the treatment options available.

What Does COPD Mean?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, refers to a chronic lung condition where patients face problems while breathing. It is an irreversible disease causing blockage of the airways.

The condition worsens over time, and you need to visit the hospital if your symptoms continue to bother you. Although the disease cannot be cured, it can be managed with medicines and lifestyle changes.

If you or your loved ones are suffering from this disease, there is no need to worry. Having health insurance will help you navigate the disease and lead to a better quality of life.

COPD is also a significant public health challenge, especially in India. Its impact extends beyond health to economic and social well-being. Here are some key facts highlighting the severity of the condition:

1. COPD is among the leading causes of death and illness worldwide
2. It accounts for nearly 50% of all chronic lung diseases
3. India has the highest number of COPD cases globally
4. Around 30.28% of global COPD-related deaths occur in India
5. Nearly 50 million people in India are affected
6. The disease causes an annual economic loss of over ₹100,000 crore

While these statistics reflect the scale of the problem, understanding what is COPD and recognising its widespread impact can help individuals seek timely care, plan long-term treatment, and better prepare for the challenges associated with the disease.

What are the Types of COPD?

There are 2 types of this disease: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. If you are diagnosed with any one of these, it indicates that you have COPD. Let’s learn about it in detail below:

Emphysema

Emphysema occurs when the tiny air sacs present in the lungs get stretched and damaged. Our lungs contain many healthy air balloons, which help us breathe. A person with this condition loses their balloon's elasticity and always stays partially inflated.

The alveoli (individual air sacs) also get destroyed as they merge into larger and fewer sacs, which decreases efficiency. Together, they cause difficulty in breathing.

Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is characterised by a chronic cough for a longer period of time. Many people often dub this the ‘smokers' cough’ as it is persistent. It produces a lot of mucus or phlegm.

To qualify as chronic bronchitis, it has to be present for 3 months for 2 years. For example, someone could cough extensively for 3 months during the winter season. Plus, it has to come back for 2 years. Doctors will only diagnose this if they rule out other causes of cough.

What are the Symptoms of COPD?

‘Does only cough decide if a person has COPD?' is a question people often ask. Although it is one of the symptoms, the disease presents itself in many ways. You must understand COPD symptoms so that you can identify it sooner.

Coughing

As stated before, this is one of the most common symptoms of COPD. However, not all cough means that you have the disease. A cough can be caused by asthma, the common cold or other problems.

However, keep a lookout for a cough with thick mucus or phlegm. If you notice that it occurs periodically for a long period of time, then you should see a doctor.

Wheezing

Check whether you or your loved ones are wheezing while breathing. These are signs that your lungs cannot process air properly. Doctors also listen for sounds such as stridor, crackles, pleural rub or rhonchi during a checkup.

Wheezing indicates that there is a swelling or blockage in your airways. If someone faces constant wheezing or it recurs every year, then it is important to visit the doctor.

Cyanosis

Cyanosis, commonly known as blue skin, indicates that your body is unable to get enough oxygen. You can spot it easily when someone’s lips, skin or nails turn a bluish tone. Although this alone doesn’t mean you have COPD, it can be one of the reasons.

Tightness in the Chest

Chest tightness can feel like squeezing, pressure or fullness. The feeling can be constant and cause discomfort. Doctors will not diagnose COPD based on tightness in the chest alone. It has to be persistent and co-exist with other symptoms.

Frequent Lung Infections

Frequently suffering from lung infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or tuberculosis is a sign of greater problems underneath. It occurs when bacteria or viruses invade the lungs and impede their functioning. If you frequently face this, you should highlight it to your doctor.

Fatigue

Difficulty breathing means your body faces a lack of oxygen. This can translate into fatigue and being tired. If you notice that someone is constantly fatigued and also faces the above symptoms, then they may have COPD.

What Causes COPD?

Usually, lifestyle choices are the primary reason a person will develop COPD. But, there are other causes as well. Let’s discuss them below:

Active or Passive Smoking

Smoking tobacco is the primary reason for COPD, accounting for 70% of cases. One can also develop this disease from secondhand or passive smoking.

Exposure to Toxins

Toxins such as particulate matter 2.5 (PM 2.5), Ozone, and carbon monoxide can irritate the lungs. Long-term exposure can cause COPD. High AQI levels in India are a risk factor for this disease.

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

This is a genetic disorder caused by the mutation of the Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT) protein. Usually, this protein shields your lungs. But people with this genetic condition don't have enough AAT to protect their lungs, causing the lungs to be vulnerable to smoke and pollution.

What Complications do COPD Cause?

Since our lungs get damaged, bacteria and other harmful organisms get trapped in the lungs. This causes infections, which can lead to:

1. Pneumonia: It causes the lung tissue to swell and create fluid or pus in your lungs. Bacteria or viruses can cause this, with bacterial pneumonia being more severe.
2. Respiratory Failure: This happens when there isn’t enough oxygen in your body, or there is too much carbon dioxide. It is a medical emergency.
3. Pneumothorax: It is a condition where one’s lung collapses partially or fully. It occurs when air gets in the space between the chest wall and lungs. This is also a medical emergency.
4. Pulmonary Hypertension: High blood pressure in your lung arteries can cause shortness of breath, fatigue and dizziness.
5. Cor Pulmonale: This refers to a lung issue which causes the right ventricle to enlarge and fail. People generally witness fainting episodes, shortness of breath, and bulging veins in the neck.

Who is at Risk of Developing COPD?

Anyone can develop COPD, but certain people are at a greater risk. They are:

1. Long-term smokers
2. People having a family history of COPD
3. Constant exposure to second-hand smoke
4. People suffering from asthma

How do Doctors Diagnose COPD in Patients?

Doctors use different methods to diagnose COPD in a patient. Here are the methods:

Electrocardiogram (EKG)

Doctors use this method to check your heart’s functioning. This is done to rule out whether your shortness of breath and other symptoms are a result of heart disease.

Pulmonary Function Test

Doctors use the spirometry test to check your pulmonary function. This test measures the amount of air that goes in and how much comes out.

Pulse Oximetry

 In pulse oximetry, doctors use a clip-like device that measures your blood oxygen levels. It works by detecting the light absorption of your blood. The results are in SpO2.

Imaging Tests

Doctors use imaging tests like chest X-rays and CT scans to detect any physical changes that COPD has caused in a patient's body.

Blood Tests

A deficiency in AAT levels can also trigger COPD. Therefore, doctors check your blood to see if you suffer from this deficiency. Additionally, doctors may conduct genetic testing.

What are the Stages of COPD?

There are 4 COPD stages, ranging from mild to severe. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) helps doctors pinpoint the stage of this disease.

1. Stage I:  This is a mild stage, characterised by forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) of 80%. In this stage, people may experience a nagging cough and mild shortness of breath.
2. Stage 2: Doctors classify this stage as moderate, with patients having FEV1/FVC of 50% to 79%. People often complain about frequent shortness of breath, which makes everyday tasks difficult.
3. Stage 3: It is the second-last stage, a severe stage where people have FEV1/FVC of 30-49%. This stage presents itself in significant fatigue, increased flare-ups and worsening of symptoms.
4. Stage 4: This is end-stage COPD, where FEV1/FVC levels are below 30%. It impacts quality of life and can be life-threatening.

How do Doctors Treat COPD?

COPD is a chronic condition, meaning it will get worse over time if left untreated. However, with proper precaution and care, one can delay the worsening and ensure a greater quality of life. 

Lifestyle Changes

Since smoking is the number 1 cause of this disease, doctors recommend quitting it. There are several smoking cessation programmes available where one can get help. In India, you can dial the toll-free number 1800 112 356 to consult an expert from National Tobacco Quit Line Services (NTQLS).

Medicines

Apart from quitting smoking, doctors also prescribe bronchodilators and steroids to reduce the inflammation in one’s lungs. These medicines help open the airways and may come as an inhaler or a liquid in a nebuliser.

Oxygen Therapy

COPD causes harm to the level of oxygen in your body. Oxygen therapy helps balance oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, preventing people from suffering from the various complications of the disease.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Exercise can help rehabilitate people with severe damage. Pulmonary rehabilitation is an exercise and education programme that strengthens your lungs, helping manage COPD and its symptoms.

Surgery

If someone has severe COPD (stage 4), then surgery is one of the ways to reduce symptoms. Lung Volume Reduction (LVR) helps reduce the trapped air between the chest cavity and lungs.

Why Buy Health Insurance for COPD?

COPD requires long-term medical management, and the cost of treatment can steadily rise over time. Regular doctor consultations, diagnostic tests, inhalers, oxygen therapy, hospitalisations, and advanced procedures can place a heavy financial burden on patients and their families. For instance, procedures like LVR surgery may cost in lakhs in India, making treatment unaffordable without proper financial planning.

With a comprehensive health insurance policy, you can focus on managing your condition without worrying about medical expenses. Bajaj General Insurance helps cover hospital bills, treatment costs, and ongoing care needs. The My Health Care Plan offers wide-ranging coverage along with 2x OPD benefits, ensuring consistent access to quality treatment.

So, download the Bajaj General app today and take a step towards stress-free COPD care!

Final Thoughts

While a diagnosis of COPD can feel overwhelming, it does not signal the end of an active and fulfilling life. With the right combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and pulmonary rehabilitation, managing this condition is entirely possible.

Early detection is your strongest ally, so listen to your lungs and seek medical advice if symptoms arise. Remember, every breath counts. By staying informed, you can slow the progression and protect your future health. Take that first step today, and your lungs will thank you.

FAQs

How do patients get COPD?

People develop COPD from chronic exposure to irritants such as tobacco smoke, air pollution or chemical fumes. Some people also have a genetic condition where their lungs are damaged.

What is the last stage of COPD?

The last stage of COPD, or Stage 4, means that the patient faces extreme difficulty while breathing. The act itself becomes a task. This stage is severe, and the risks are higher.

What is the average lifespan of someone with COPD?

Everyone suffers from COPD differently. There is no one-size-fits-all life expectancy. Experts suggest that if someone is 65 years of age and smokes, their life expectancy can be reduced by 0.3 years for Stage 1, 2.2 years for Stage 2, and 5.8 years for Stages 3 and 4.

What are the emergency symptoms of COPD?

Some of the emergency symptoms for COPD include chest pain, sudden worsening of breathing, rapid heart rate, and inability ot speak full sentences. If you notice someone suffering from this, immediately take them to the emergency room in the hospital.

Does COPD give you hot flashes?

Yes, COPD can cause hot flashes resulting from changes in body temperature, stress, and anxiety. It can be similar to panic symptoms.

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***Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.