Climbing stairs will cause shortness of breath, coughing and expectorating sputum after smoking, and breathing is very short, but still feels unable to get enough air… Many people think that the normal phenomenon actually implies chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (hereinafter referred to as “chronic obstructive pulmonary disease”). lung”) key signal.
Experts from the Chronic Disease Prevention and Control Center of the Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention reminded the public that the weather is getting colder and colder air is frequent, which makes the respiratory tract more easily irritated, and it is more likely to induce chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at this time.
The dangers of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
can affect the whole body
COPD seems to be far away from us, but in fact, it is a common chronic disease like hypertension and diabetes. It’s just that COPD is more “cunning”, and everyone’s awareness of it is very low, making it known as the “silent killer”.
COPD, as the name suggests, is the restriction of airflow during exhalation caused by the obstruction of the airway in the body. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic asthma, emphysema, etc. are often mentioned. Various harmful substances in the air enter the airways, small airways, alveoli and other parts through human respiration, triggering an inflammatory response, which in turn leads to airway edema, increased secretions, and damage to lung tissue structure.
The most common manifestations of COPD are dyspnea, cough, and sputum production. Chronic cough and sputum production often precede airflow limitation for many years. As the disease progresses, breathing is often required for simple activities, which can make daily activities difficult and restrict work and life.
According to experts from the chronic disease prevention and control center, COPD can also lead to systemic adverse reactions, including systemic inflammatory reactions and poor skeletal muscle function, and promote or aggravate the occurrence of complications. COPD often coexists with other diseases, the most common being cardiovascular disease, depression, and osteoporosis.
COPD is currently the third leading cause of death worldwide. With continued exposure to COPD risk factors and an aging population, the health hazards and social impact of COPD can be expected to continue to increase in the coming decades.
Test yourself
If you have three symptoms, be careful
Pulmonary function testing is the “gold standard” for diagnosing COPD, but it needs to be done in a hospital. You can also do a simple self-test through the following questions:
①Do you cough a lot on most days?
②Are you coughing up phlegm or mucus on most days?
③ Are you more breathless than your peers?
④Are you over 40 years old?
⑤ Do you currently smoke or have you ever smoked?
Experts from the chronic disease prevention and treatment center suggest that if the answer to more than three of the above questions is yes, then it is time to consult a professional doctor.
In addition, we can also evaluate our lung function through some simple experiments:
① Light a match and blow hard on it from a distance of 15 to 20 cm to see if the match can go out.
②Whether you can go up to the third floor in one breath at an unhurried speed without feeling obvious shortness of breath and chest tightness.
③Whether you can walk 400-700 meters within 6 minutes.
If it can be done, it means that your lung function is acceptable, otherwise, it indicates that the lung function may be damaged.
Protect lung health
These points are important
The main cause of COPD is exposure to tobacco smoke, which includes smoking and passive smoking, which is what we often call exposure to second-hand smoke. In addition, indoor and outdoor air pollution, occupational dust and exposure to chemicals (such as vapors, irritants, and fumes) may also contribute to COPD.
Although COPD is currently incurable, early identification and reduction of exposure to risk factors are critical for both prevention and treatment of COPD.
Avoiding smoking Avoiding smoking and any form of exposure to tobacco smoke is the single most important thing to do to protect your lungs. Many COPD patients are smokers, and any form of exposure to tobacco products can cause COPD.
Avoid Harmful Exposure In addition to tobacco smoke, indoor and outdoor air pollution and exposure to certain occupational irritants such as smoke, dust or chemicals can increase the risk of developing COPD. Try to avoid exposure to fumes that may make breathing difficult. Pay attention to effective ventilation at home, use clean cooking fuels, and keep indoor air fresh. When there is floating dust or serious pollution outside, you should remember to close the doors and windows in time.
Keeping your body strong Keeping your body strong and maintaining a healthy weight is also good for lung health. Regular physical activity and healthy eating habits can help us do this.
Getting vaccinated and getting important vaccines when necessary can also help keep your lungs healthy. For example, in the high-incidence season of influenza and the alternation of winter and spring, influenza vaccination in advance can effectively curb the acute exacerbation of COPD induced by influenza virus; vaccination against pneumonia can prevent COPD complicated by pulmonary infection and cause respiratory failure. Protect lung function.
For people who have been confirmed to have COPD, they should follow the prescription of a professional doctor and visit a doctor regularly to assess their own health status.
Text/Reporter Li Jie