Related Definitions of Asthma

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease:  

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also known as chronic obstructive lung disease, is a general term for diseases that damage the lungs. It is estimated that more than 16 million Americans have some form of COPD. The two main COPDs include chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Asthma is also considered a COPD.

COPD develops over many years, and smoking tobacco is almost always the cause of the disease.

The most common symptoms of COPD are chronic coughing and shortness of breath. Individuals who have COPD may be more susceptible to colds and the flu. The heart may become enlarged because it is strained. In addition, many COPD patients may experience high blood pressure.

There is no cure for COPD. Treatment varies, depending on the specific condition. It can range from medication and oxygen supplementation to transplant surgery. Bronchodilators are commonly used to relax the bronchi muscles that can cause bronchospasms and restrict the airways. Bronchodilators are either short-acting or long-acting.

Emphysema:

Nearly three million Americans have been diagnosed with emphysema, and it is estimated that millions more are in the early, asymptomatic stages of the disease.

The most common cause of emphysema is smoking tobacco. Tobacco smoke temporarily paralyzes the cilia (small hairs) the line the bronchial tubes. The cilia are designed to filter irritants out of the airways. However, when the cilia are paralyzed, irritants remain in the bronchial tubes and infiltrate the alveoli, inflaming the tissue and breaking down the elastic fibers.

A minority of patients develop emphysema as a result of low levels of alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAt). This protein protects the elastic fibers in the lungs from being destroyed by certain enzymes. Therefore, this hereditary condition causes progressive lung damage, which can result in emphysema.

Emphysema causes the air sacs in the walls of the lungs lose elasticity. Eventually, the walls stretch and break, which creates larger, less efficient air sacs. It becomes difficult for the patient to breathe. Common symptoms include chronic, mild cough, loss of appetite, weight loss and fatigue.

There is currently no cure for emphysema. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications. Smokers are advised to abstain from smoking in order to prevent the symptoms from worsening. Medications often include bronchodilators, inhaled steroids, supplemental oxygen, protein therapy, antibiotics (for respiratory infections), lung volume reduction surgery and lung transplant. Pulmonary rehabilitation therapy is also available for patients.

Since smoking causes most cases of emphysema, the best prevention method is to abstain from smoking tobacco.

Dyspnea:

 

Dyspnea is a term that describes difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. This is a common symptom of many medical disorders, especially COPD.

Airway Obstruction: 

Airway obstruction describes partial or complete blockage of the airway passages to the lungs. The cause of this condition varies greatly. Possible causes include allergic reactions, infections, anatomical abnormalities, trauma and foreign substances (e.g. choking). An early sign of airway obstruction is agitation, which may cause individuals to cough suddenly. Signs of respiratory distress include labored, ineffective breathing and loss of consciousness if the obstruction is not removed or relieved.

Treatment for airway constriction depends on the underlying cause. If it is an allergic reaction, medication may be prescribed and the patient should avoid exposure to the allergen. Anatomical abnormalities may require surgery to open the airways. Infections may require antibiotics. If an adult is choking, the Heimlich maneuver should be performed.