- Respiratory diseases
According to a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the deaths due to lung diseases in India were on the rise accounting for 11 per cent of the total deaths. As many as 142.09 in every one lakh, died of one form of lung disease or the other giving India the dubious distinction of ranking first in lung disease deaths in the world. Respiratory diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), pneumonia, tuberculosis (TB) are emerging as major health problems in the region.
Common respiratory diseases
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is not one single disease but an umbrella term used to describe chronic lung diseases that cause limitation of airflow to the lungs which is not fully reversible.
There are 2 main types of diseases that cause this airflow limitation or obstruction:
1. Lungs with Emphysema
Here the air sacs (alveoli) and small airways (bronchioles) are damaged and lose their elasticity. When you breathe out, air becomes trapped inside the air sacs. This makes it harder for fresh air (containing oxygen) to come in and carbon dioxide to go out. The blood vessels around the air sacs are also damaged, which prevents fresh air with oxygen from reaching the bloodstream and carbon dioxide from going out of the body.
2. Lungs with chronic bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is excess mucus production that may block your bronchial tubes (airways). The lining of the airways may become irritated or inflamed and the airway muscles may spasm.
What causes COPD?
Smoking
The most common cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is cigarette smoking.
Indoor air pollution
Indoor air pollution from fuels used for cooking and heating in poorly ventilated homes.
Hazardous workplace
Work-related dust and chemicals (vapours, irritants and fumes) and other things in the environment such as coal dust and silica.
Genetics
Sometimes, COPD can be caused by a rare inherited disorder called alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency.
What are the COPD symptoms?
How is COPD diagnosed?
If your doctor suspects COPD, he or she may order following tests:
How is COPD diagnosed?
If your doctor suspects COPD, he or she may order following tests:
How can Philips Healthcare@home help you?
Patients with respiratory disorders may have to visit hospitals regularly and may also need long-term oxygen or ventilation therapy. Backed by a physician-driven care plan Philips Health Care team helps patients manage respiratory disorders in their home environment with better clinical outcomes and improved quality of life.
Know more from our resources
Philips Hospital to home
Improving COPD management
Health care at home
World COPD Day
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