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Pollution-The Single Largest Cause Of Pulmonary Disease

The world is getting more and more polluted every day. Pollution is increasingly being highlighted as the single largest reason outside tobacco use as the cause of pulmonary disease. As we breathe in polluted air, we inhale toxic pollutants deep into your lungs, and cause considerable damage to the entire respiratory tract. These pollutants are capable of triggering and worsening an existing disease.

Pulmonary Diseases Triggered And Exacerbated By Pollution

Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and emphysema are chronic illnesses that have a direct link with toxins in the air. There is a very real risk that these pollutants may hamper the lung development process and be a precursor to lung diseases in the future. These debilitating and chronic diseases are the curse of a lifetime and slowly deteriorate over a period of time, with frequent bouts of acute phases. Smoking, pollution and weather changes may cause the problem to become worse.

Diagnosis And Management of COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is term that can include a wide range of problems like bronchitis, asthma, emphysema and other related disorders. The common factors are the narrowing of the pulmonary pathway and prolonged respiratory expiratory cycles.

Signs and symptoms of COPD are general body weakness, shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, barrel chest formation, decreased breath sounds, leg edema and clubbing. There is an activity intolerance due to impaired oxygen supply with demand values. There is general debility and mal nutrition is an issue. The patient is incapable of exertion and needs a care giver.

As with many lifestyle diseases COPD can be managed to a large extent through changes in habits and life style.

• The first step is to stop smoking and reduce exposure to air borne pollutants.

• It is important that external triggers are avoided. You must take care that you wear a mask when moving in polluted or dusty areas.

• It is imperative that you stay in touch with your pulmonologist and take your medicines religiously.

• As COPD is also associated with general debility and malnourishment, it is important to eat well and exercise to maintain good health.

• Oxygen treatment is a good option as the lungs are often starved of pure oxygen and are revitalized.

• COPD is the root cause of depression and anxiety. The patient needs regular counseling and comfort as morbid depression can make the disease worse.

These precautions can help one to cope with pulmonary care. It is important that medical intervention is sought when the acute symptoms are manifested.

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