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The Health | february, 2019
men
Chronic
Obstructive
Pulmonary
Disease
(COPD)
When breathing becomes
a struggle
flickr.com
B
A
Normal Lungs
The illustration shows a normal lungs
and a lungs with COPD.
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reathing. For the most part, it’s some-
thing we do without thinking. But for the
half a million Malaysians estimated to be
living with COPD , this simple act is a daily
struggle, one which is a barrier to all that
life has to offer.
COPD is a progressive lung condition that limits
airflow in the lungs, causing a person to feel out
of breath. Typically caused by long-term exposure
to irritants such as cigarette smoke that damage
the lungs and the airways, other symptoms also
include frequent coughing (with or without mucus),
wheezing and experiencing a sensation of tightness
in the chest .
Datuk Dr
Aziah Ahmad
Mahayiddin.
There is currently no cure for COPD, and whilst the
early symptoms may be subtle and pass by unnoticed,
COPD can have fatal consequences if it is not properly
managed. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstruc-
tive Lung Disease (GOLD) predicts that COPD will be
the third leading cause of death by 2020.
Lung Foundation of Malaysia Trustee, Datuk Dr
Aziah Ahmad Mahayiddin disclosed that the nature
and severity of symptoms presented in COPD is
influenced by a range of factors, including exposure
to cigarette smoke, viruses and air pollution, making
every patient’s journey of COPD unique.
“As a result, a ‘one size fits all’ approach to disease
management doesn’t necessarily work, as sufferers
may have different treatment needs that can change
over time. Unfortunately, COPD is underdiagnosed
and undermanaged. Progression of the condition can
be delayed with prompt diagnosis, proper assessment
of disease severity and appropriate management.”
In addition to the respiratory symptoms, COPD
is associated with an array of comorbidities such as
skeletal muscle dysfunction, systemic inflammation,
and cardiovascular problems that can severely impact
sufferers’ quality of life. Patients with COPD may also
show a loss of appetite as a result of their breathing
difficulties, with 25 per cent to 40 per cent of suf-
ferers estimated to be in an undernourished state.
Unaddressed, these symptoms can often result in
depression and social isolation.
As a result, a
‘one size fits all’
approach to disease
management doesn’t
necessarily work, as
sufferers may have
different treatment
needs that can
change over time.
Unfortunately, COPD
is underdiagnosed
and undermanaged.
Progression of
the condition can
be delayed with
prompt diagnosis,
proper assessment
of disease severity
and appropriate
management.”
– Datuk Dr Aziah
Embracing an active lifestyle
President of the Malaysian Thoracic Society Associate
Professor Pang Yong Kek pointed to quit smoking as
the most important step in COPD management, as
this will prevent further decline of lung function.
In addition to medication, patients should embrace
an active lifestyle, take a well-balanced diet, exercise
regularly and get enough rest in between their activi-
ties. For those with reduced effort tolerance – the
decreased ability to exercise – they may be referred to
attend a pulmonary rehabilitation programme, where
they will be taught effective breathing techniques and
customised exercises, tailored to their capabilities.
Taking precautions against the risk factors of
COPD can help to slow the progression of the disease
and improve lung function. Flu and pneumonia can
Pang Yong
Kek.
Blood in
the urine
Lungs
with COPD
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lood in the urine can be either
frank bleeding, that means visible
to the naked eyes, or microscopic,
or bleeding so little that it is only
detected on the laboratory test.
Prince Court Medical Centre Con-
sultant Urologist Dr Goh Eng Hong
explained that although it could be
many causes in origin, such as infec-
tion or trauma, blood in urine is chiefly
associated with tumour, such as kidney
or bladder cancer.
“Tumour tends to occur in the elderly
have serious complications for COPD patients, thus
vaccination against these diseases can help protect
individuals against infection. Additionally, avoiding
fumes, odours and other lung irritants may prevent
further flare-ups. By making sure they receive enough
sleep and rest throughout the day, individuals suffer-
ing from COPD can also maintain their energy levels
throughout their daily activities. — The Health
Verywell Health
age groups especially when there is pre-
vious long-term exposure to chemicals
or smoking.”
Symptoms can be bleeding alone, or
associated with other features such as
pain and difficulty in urination.
According to Goh, managing these
cases require at the beginning to assess
whether the bleeding is profuse and
hence the necessity to arrest the bleed-
ing first. Only then the exact treatment
is carried out for the underlying cause.
— The Health
Blood in urine is chiefly associated
with kidney or bladder cancer.