Essential factors that determine chronic obstructive pulmonary disease prognosis

A chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is an umbrella term used to denote several types of respiratory ailments. The inflammatory lung disease leads to an obstruction of the airflow from the lungs causing difficulty in breathing, coughing, and production of mucus. The disease puts one at an increased risk of suffering from lung conditions, developing heart problems, and several other similar health issues.

The three common conditions that contribute to chronic pulmonary disease prognosis include emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and asthma. Some individuals may suffer from a combination of the given conditions.
The disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the country and around the world. Additionally, it can commonly go undiagnosed among the general population. Several persons who experience no signs or symptoms of the condition are highly unlikely to be diagnosed with the condition. The risk associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease increase with the seriousness of the condition. If treated and managed well, one can acquire good control over the symptoms and achieve a healthy quality of life. Thus, it is essential for effective prognosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease followed by the right treatment plan.
Here are some factors that will help in getting a better understanding of the disease.

What are the causes of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

• Unlike, several other conditions, the causes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are well known. In most developed countries, the major trigger of the disease is smoking tobacco. A percentage of about 20 to 40 percent of smokers are very likely to develop the condition. The other group of smokers may experience severe damage to the lung function. This factor can lead to a misdiagnosis of chronic obtrusive pulmonary disease; thus, it must be thoroughly evaluated before undertaking prognosis.
• On the other hand, the major cause of the disease in developing countries is excessive exposure to fumes from cooking fuel or harmful chemicals. Even poorly ventilated homes can cause the development of the condition among the residents.

What is the prognosis for the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

• There are several factors that are found to relate to the prognosis of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The age of an individual and the baseline post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) are the commonly used predictors for the same.  
• The prognosis is mostly good for people who have a mild case of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Moreover, the life expectancy may be normal. However, as the condition progresses and there is an increase in its severity, and the prognosis and the life expectancy will decrease. Patients who stop smoking are found to live longer than people who continue the habit.

How is the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease diagnosed?
The diagnosis of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is commonly undertaken in the advanced stages and when the interventions are less effective. The signs and symptoms are reviewed followed by the tests mentioned below before obtaining a prognosis:

• Lung function tests – The tests are used to measure the amount of air that can be exhaled or inhaled. The physician will use the tests to evaluate if the lungs can deliver enough oxygen into the blood.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan – A computed tomography (CT) scan is conducted to trace the health of lungs. This method can help understand if surgery is a good option for the condition.
• Chest X-ray – The X-ray of the chest is used to determine the conditions associated with the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and in order to rule out lung issues.

How can one lessen the damage caused by the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?
The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease cannot be reversed, and one must take effective steps against its prognosis. Measures that will aid in slowing the lung damage include:

• Regularly exercising and improving the overall endurance of the body. While the activities may cause trouble while breathing, the physician can help with advising less intense workouts.
• Smoke and places with excessive air pollution must be avoided as they would further irritate the lungs.
• Mucus must be controlled through controlled coughing, using a humidifier, and drinking plenty of water.
• A patient must regularly visit the doctor’s clinic even if there are fewer symptoms. Ignorance can cause further damage.