Lung disease COPD: cough and shortness of breath are the first warnings

Often, chronic lungs diseases undetected. Much later, when the stage of the disease is incurable, the Affected to the doctor. If the diagnosis is made in time, can slow down the therapy the progression effectively. Anyone who suffers from constant cough and shortness of breath when observed, you should definitely see a lung specialist.

Smokers is run out of steam eventually

If you smoke for many years, every day, 20 cigarettes, a naturally run out of steam eventually. This makes, among other things, in climbing stairs, felt, or other physical activity. If breathing is difficult, lack of Fitness or age is often not a sufficient explanation.

Especially if those Affected also often cough, and often to respiratory infections, you should consult a doctor. The cause of this is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD could; also known as smoker’s cough).

Up to five million Germans have smoker’s cough

According to the German respiratory League of up to five million people in Germany alone in COPD. The world health organization (WHO) estimated that globally, about 64 million people are affected. According to their estimates, COPD will include, by 2030, the world’s third most common causes of death. The disease should therefore not be underestimated.

The airway League explains on its website, is the abbreviation COPD for the English name of the lung disease: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This means that the lung is chronically ill, because the Airways become inflamed and permanently narrowed (= obstructive) and the lung faster and faster aging.

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the German lung Foundation, Prof. Gerhard W. Sybrecht, said: “A cure is possible, a rapid progression of the disease can often be prevented.”

Non-smokers can develop this cancer

Especially smokers fall ill, but also non-smokers are often affected. Canadian scientists have published a few years ago in the journal “Thorax”, a study that shows which risk factors for COPD in addition to tobacco consumption. It is known that, for example, people who are exposed to workplace air pollutants, belong to the risk groups. COPD can be caused in rare cases, but also genetically. The lung disease usually begins slowly.

The main signs experts expectoration, cough, and shortness of breath (“AHA”symptoms), according to health, the latter of which often occurs only during physical exertion, in the further course, but also in a state of rest. Normally, the smoker’s cough in the morning is most pronounced, whereby the so-called Sputum relatively easily coughed up, which is dyed in COPD is usually slightly brownish.

In the course of the disease a feeling of tightness in the chest or the feeling from the lungs, causing the Affected to feel constantly breathless often develops. Also typical for the squeaking or rattling noises on the Exhale and an overall reduced efficiency.

Complaints should ensure that they are clarified

“One Problem is that patients often go to doctor, if discomfort have taken the upper hand,” said the Ulm internal medicine for lung and bronchial medicine Michael Barczok in the dpa report. “Then a lot of lung tissue is often irreparably destroyed,” said the doctor, who is also the spokesman of the Federal Association of pulmonologists, sleep and respiratory physician. Symptoms such as constant coughing and shortness of breath should be evaluated, therefore, as early as possible medical.

“Many people have COPD and don’t know it,” said Sybrecht. The regular health Check-Up, patients should pay attention to the fact that a pulmonary function Check is carried out. If abnormalities are seen, there should be a Referral to a lung specialist (pulmonologist).

Examination by a specialist

This can be provided by investigations such as the so-called spirometry, the respiratory volume is measured, a reliable diagnosis. In another method, the so-called Body plethysmography, respiratory resistance and lung capacity. Sometimes other investigations are carried out. “Such a stress Test can be”, Sybrecht.

The doctor can find out whether, for example, increased pulmonary pressure leads to a strain on the right heart. The diagnosis of COPD, get a smoker, you should stop necessarily Smoking with the Inhalation. “The risk of an acute deterioration of the lungs and respiratory functions, decreases,” explained Barczok. In addition, Affected get inhaled drugs that relieve breathing difficulties. “On the market there are a variety of inhalation systems, differ in operation from each other”, – said the Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board of the German airway League, Professor Heinrich Worth.

Concerned should not give up the Sport

Patients can learn how to deal with the individual stories customized inhalation system in the case of a patient training. Worth pointed out: “participation is very important in order to avoid possible user error.” Affected there can be, among other things, the basics of respiratory therapy. Also self-help measures are the subject. In addition, you should not miss COPD and better at sports.

“Many avoid out of fear of shortness of breath often, physical activities,” said Barczok. However, a lack of muscle mass and take off by the movement force by which the physical capacity is reduced. This ultimately leads to a deterioration of the lung function. The word, therefore, recommended: “To this vicious circle to break through, should be Concerned, targeted, Sport – and movement therapy in lung sports groups”. (ad)