Cough must be paid attention to!

Cough often? Don't cough into COPD. Some people may often cough, but they don't care about it, and beware of the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Coughing, expectoration, wheezing, dyspnea... In the early spring, when the spring breeze is blowing, many people are suffering from the pain of the old problems of making waves at this time every year. It turns out that this is exactly the manifestation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

So what is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (abbreviated as COPD) is a common disease that can be prevented and treated, and is characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is one of the main causes of the increase in disability and mortality worldwide. It has caused a serious economic and social burden, and the situation is getting worse. Although the prevalence and mortality of COPD remain high, statistics in most countries show that less than 6% of adults have been told to have COPD, reflecting the widespread lack of understanding and diagnosis of COPD around the world. The same problem exists in China.

What are the pathogenic factors of COPD?

1. Air pollution

The degree of air pollution is closely related to the incidence of respiratory diseases. When air pollution is severe, harmful gases and suspended particles will enter the lungs, thereby affecting the function of the lungs.

2. Smoking

Smoking is the main external risk factor for COPD, and the degree of smoking is closely related to the deterioration of lung function. Smokers, including those forced to smoke secondhand smoke, are at risk of COPD. Harmful particles and other harmful ingredients in the product after tobacco burns will directly harm the lungs and cause lung function damage.

3. Population ageing

Age is also one of the risk factors for COPD. The pathogenesis includes normal aging itself which will lead to COPD and prolonged survival which leads to an increase in the accumulation of exposure to corresponding environmental factors. Studies in my country have further confirmed that age is closely related to the prevalence of COPD.

People at high risk of COPD includes smokers, chefs, teachers, bakery employees, cement factory employees and other people working in dusty working environments. To reduce the incidence of COPD, it is necessary to strengthen smoking cessation, improve environmental management, and early diagnosis and treatment.