COPD, a chronic respiratory disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease. It is caused by smoking in about 80% of cases. Other risk factors include occupational exposure, air pollution, secondhand smoke, and genetic factors. Exposure to tobacco smoke (active or passive smoking) is always an aggravating factor.

Tobacco, the leading risk factor

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is attributable to smoking in about 80% of cases.

Other risk factors include:

• occupational exposure (about 15% of COPD cases),

• air pollution,

• secondhand smoke,

• and genetic factors.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of COPD

COPD progresses insidiously, and its clinical signs are often overlooked. The earliest symptoms are chronic cough and sputum production (chronic bronchitis). Dyspnea develops gradually. This progression may be punctuated by exacerbations: these are episodes of worsening cough, sputum production, and shortness of breath that may require hospitalization.
Confirmation of the COPD diagnosis relies on pulmonary function testing, which reveals a partially reversible obstructive ventilatory disorder and allows for the determination of disease severity and monitoring of its progression.

Comprehensive Care

COPD cannot be cured, but appropriate management can improve patients’ quality of life. This management is multidisciplinary. It includes:

• Lifestyle changes: quitting smoking as soon as possible and maintaining regular physical activity (appropriate for the patient’s age and physical abilities);

• Therapeutic education: helping patients and their families learn about the disease enables better management of the condition and its complications;

• Vaccinations: annual flu vaccination and pneumococcal vaccination are recommended;

• Medication: Medication management relies primarily on the inhaled use of bronchodilators. In advanced stages of the disease (chronic respiratory failure), long-term oxygen therapy may be necessary.

• Respiratory rehabilitation: Respiratory rehabilitation is an important component of care that helps improve patients’ quality of life. It includes physical activities (stationary bike, strength training, calisthenics, etc.) and respiratory physical therapy.