Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease of the respiratory system characterized by an irreversible obstruction of the airways, of varying degrees depending on the severity. The disease (known in English as Copd, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is usually progressive and is associated with a state of chronic inflammation of the lung tissue.The long-term consequence is a real remodeling of the bronchi, which causes a significant reduction in respiratory capacity.
The main symptoms of COPD are cough and shortness of breath, sometimes accompanied by wheezing. Dyspnea appears gradually over several years and in severe cases it can limit normal daily activities. Typically, these people are prone to chronic respiratory tract infections, which occasionally cause relapses accompanied by aggravated symptoms. As the disease progresses, these episodes tend to become more and more frequent.
The main diagnostic tool for COPD is spirometry, which allows to measure the residual lung capacity.
There is no effective cure for COPD that allows you to restore lost respiratory function: however, there are a whole range of treatments to manage the disease. In addition to drugs, there are other therapeutic possibilities, such as oxygen therapy, ie the administration of pure oxygen, and mechanical ventilation, which makes up for insufficient respiratory activity.