Relief in Every Breath: Advancements in COPD and Asthma Therapies

What is Copd? Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a progressive lung condition that significantly impacts the breathing process and lung function overall. It is characterized by the persistent obstruction of airflow to the lungs, which makes breathing difficult and causes severe health problems. Copd is mainly comprised of two major diseases: emphysema as well as chronic bronchitis. They often occur in conjunction.
Emphysema manifests itself by destroying air sacs (alveoli) within the lungs, which reduces their elasticity and leads them to shrink. This causes a reduction in air exchange, which results in breathing problems, especially when exercising. Chronic bronchitis irritates the bronchial tubes that carry air into and out of the lung. The inflammation can increase the production of mucus and narrow airways. This can cause an ongoing cough and difficulty breathing.
Smoking cigarettes is the main reason for COPD, and long-term exposure to irritants such as smoking tobacco or air pollution and occupational dust causes the development of COPD. Other risk factors are an inherited predisposition to respiratory diseases and regular outdoor and indoor air pollutant exposure.