This Is An Explanation Of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease That Can Cause Shortness Of Breath

Illustration (Pixabay)

JAKARTA - Pulmonary specialist from the University of Indonesia Hospital (RSUI), dr. Aditya Wirawan, Ph.D, Sp.P, explained that the shortness of breath experienced by patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) occurs because the lungs are dilated but air is difficult to escape. in a press release of RSUI, reported by Antara, Sunday, November 28. The lung sacs become dilated so that air can easily enter, but the air will be difficult to get out. As a result, the production of phlegm will increase. Aditya called the phenomenon called bottle neck. of COPD, starting from grade 0 to grade 4. In grade there is no shortness of breath unless the patient is doing strenuous activity. Then in grade 1 shortness occurs when walking fast or when walking uphill. Next grade 2, the patient walks slower than his peers due to shortness of breath. , then grade 3 appears after walking 100 meters or after walking a few minutes and at grade 4 shortness of breath occurs when bathing or showering COPD is a lung disease characterized by airflow limitation, is chronic and progressive. This disease if the longer it will get worse.

To diagnose COPD, Aditya recommends that people consult a doctor. Later, the doctor asks some questions, checks and performs spirometry tests. According to him, if found in the early stages, COPD can be more easily treated and does not progress to a more severe stage. “COPD is a lung disease that can be prevented and treated, but it will be dangerous. if not handled. Therefore, we should routinely check lung health, avoid exposure to harmful substances, one of which is by quitting smoking," he said. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2002 showed COPD ranks 3rd after cardiovascular disease and cancer. In Indonesia, it is estimated that around 4.8 million people suffer from COPD and this number could increase as the number of smokers increases, because 90 percent of COPD sufferers are smokers or former smokers.