What is COPD?
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a disease that causes narrowing of airflow in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. This condition is often related to exposure to factors such as smoking, air pollution, inhalation of dust or chemicals.
COPD is usually a progressive disease and its symptoms usually develop slowly over years. Initially, symptoms such as cough, sputum, wheezing and shortness of breath are seen. As the disease progresses, symptoms may worsen and result in breathing difficulties.
There is no definitive cure for COPD, but there are a number of treatment options available to relieve the symptoms of the disease and slow its progression. These treatments may include inhalers, steroids, oxygen therapy, exercise therapy, and respiratory therapy. Also, taking preventative measures such as avoiding smoking and avoiding air pollution and dust is one of the best ways to prevent COPD.
What Causes COPD?
COPD is a chronic and progressive disease that affects the lungs. Causes of COPD include:
- * Smoking: Smoking is the most common cause of COPD. Smoking irritates the lungs and contains harmful chemicals. This damages your lungs and causes COPD to develop.
- * Air pollution: Air pollution is also an important cause of COPD. Polluted air can cause damage to your lungs and the development of COPD. Especially those who work in industrial areas or live in areas with heavy traffic are at greater risk.
- * Genetic factors: COPD is more common in some people due to genetic predisposition. Therefore, people with a family history are at higher risk of developing COPD.
- * Occupational exposure: People exposed to chemicals, gases, dust and other harmful substances have a higher risk of developing COPD. Therefore, people who work in mining, agriculture, construction and other industrial jobs are at higher risk.
- * Infections: Some infections, particularly recurrent infections, can cause damage to the lungs and contribute to the development of COPD.
- * Asthma: Asthma is another chronic disease that affects your lungs. Worsening or poor management of asthma may contribute to the development of COPD.
- * Advancing Age: As you age, lung function decreases and the risk of COPD increases.
Any one or more of these causes may contribute to the development of COPD. However, there is no single cause that causes the development of COPD. Many factors can combine to lead to the development of COPD.
What are the Treatment Methods for COPD?
Because COPD is a chronic and progressive disease, it cannot be cured completely. However, several treatments are available to relieve the symptoms of COPD and improve quality of life. These treatment methods are:
- * Changing the lifestyle: Making lifestyle changes to control the symptoms of the disease and improve the quality of life. Practices such as exercising, following a healthy diet, avoiding air pollution and going to regular doctor check-ups are recommended.
- * Quitting smoking: Since smoking is the most common cause of COPD, quitting smoking is one of the most important steps in the treatment process.
- * Bronchodilators: These drugs help widen the airways in your lungs and make it easier for you to breathe. These drugs are used especially in those who experience shortness of breath during exercise.
- * Corticosteroids: These drugs are used to relieve COPD symptoms. Corticosteroids may be more effective when used with bronchodilators.
- * Oxygen therapy: In advanced stages of COPD, oxygen therapy may be needed to increase the oxygen levels in your blood. This makes it easier for the patient to breathe and improves their quality of life.
- * Pulmonary rehabilitation: These programs help the patient learn breathing techniques, increase exercise capacity and cope with the disease.
- * Surgical intervention: Rarely, in advanced stages of COPD, surgical intervention may be required. This may mean, for example, the removal of damaged tissue from the patient's lung.
Balloon Application in COPD
In the treatment of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), balloon application can be performed during the procedure called bronchoscopy. This procedure is done to open narrowed airways in the lung and improve respiratory function.
Balloon application is carried out by inserting a thin tube called an endoscope into the respiratory tract from the patient's mouth or nose. A balloon on this tube is inflated to open narrowed airways. When the balloon is inflated, the airway walls expand and breathing becomes easier.
Balloon application is generally applied in advanced stage COPD patients. This method, combined with other procedures of bronchoscopy, may be an option to further open the airway. However, this procedure should only be used in certain situations and may not be suitable for every patient.
Some risks and complications may occur during balloon application, so patients should first talk to their doctors and get detailed information about the procedure.
What is the Success Rate of Balloon Application in COPD?
The success rate of balloon application in the treatment of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) may vary depending on the severity of the disease, the size of the application area and the general health status of the patient. The success of the procedure is measured by the reduction in the degree of airway stenosis and the improvement in respiratory function.
In many studies, it has been observed that balloon application results in improvements in respiratory function and helps relieve COPD symptoms. However, the effect of balloon application may decrease over time and may need to be repeated regularly.
In addition, invasive procedures such as balloon application come with some risks and complications, as with any procedure. Therefore, it is important for patients who will undergo balloon application to carefully evaluate the risks and benefits of the procedure, and to talk to their physicians to create an appropriate treatment plan.
Assoc. Prof. H. Ulas CINAR
Thoracic Surgery Specialist
