What is it about ? And how to recognize it?
The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a very common chronic lung disease. It is caused by a permanent narrowing of the airways in response to toxic particles or gases. the smoking is the main risk factor for the development of COPD. Unlike what happens in theasthma, the narrowing of the airways is not reversible with medication (puffs). The main symptoms of COPD are cough, sputum (phlegm) andshortness of breath.
In the event of an acute attack of COPD (also called exacerbation), symptoms worsen sharply eg. an increase inshortness of breath or sputum. The phlegm can also change color or consistency. Sometimes there is a fever. In a severe attack, the person may have difficulty breathing; in this case, emergency hospitalization is required.
How is the diagnosis made?
For the doctor, it is especially important to estimate the severity of the crisis. If it is not serious it can be treated at home, but if it is very serious it is best treated in the hospital.
The doctor will first ask you questions about your symptoms:
- How much more shortness of breath do you suffer from?
- Are you coughing more?
- Do you have more phlegm?
Then the doctor:
- examine your skin;
- measure your blood pressure and heart rate;
- auscultate your lungs;
- measure the frequency of breathing;
- measure the oxygen concentration in the blood using an oximeter (device placed on the finger).
If the doctor is hesitating between a COPD and an pneumonia, he may order an x-ray of the lungs.
What can you do ?
If you have symptoms that suggest a COPD attack, it is best to check first if you are using the puffs correctly. Do not delay in seeing the doctor.
What can the doctor do?
The doctor will check if you are using the puffs correctly. If you do not take the maximum dose yet, your doctor will increase your dose or add a puff. By using the puffs with an inhalation or nebulizer chamber, more drug reaches the airways. If this is not effective enough, the doctor will prescribe cortisone tablets. The cure generally lasts one to two weeks. Most often, this treatment is sufficient.
Antibiotics are only needed in seriously ill people who have severe attacks, if there is no improvement after 2 to 4 days, or if they get worse despite the treatment mentioned above. Most often, the doctor will prescribe a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid.
The efficacy of drugs to facilitate expectoration has not been demonstrated.
In the event of a very severe attack, there is a risk of drowsiness or exhaustion. In addition, if you have other medical problems (eg heart disease, diabetes), it is advisable to go to hospital for close monitoring.
Want to know more?
- COPD – FARES – Respiratory Affections Fund
- Air pollution and health – mongeneraliste.be – SSMG – Scientific Society of General Medicine
- Asthma and COPD: drugs to inhale – mongeneraliste.be – SSMG – Scientific Society of General Medicine
- How to use inhalers – videos – Société Belge de Pneumologie
- What is an antibiotic – BAPCOC – Belgian Commission for the coordination of antibiotic policy
- Amoxicillin – CBIP – Belgian Center for Pharmacotherapeutic Information
- Amoxicillin + clavulanic acid combination – CBIP – Belgian Center for Pharmacotherapeutic Information
- Stop smoking. It’s possible – Tabacstop – Foundation against cancer
- Tobacco: preparing the stop – mongeneraliste.be – SSMG – Scientific Society of General Medicine
Are you looking for more specialized help?
- Smoking Assistance Center (CAF®) – FARES – Respiratory Affections Fund
- Tobacco specialists – FARES – Respiratory Affections Fund