Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Risks & Care
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory condition that reduces the overall lung capacity and functionality, which leads to difficulty in breathing. A recent 2025 study shows that there is an age-standardised prevalence of 8.6% for COPD in India 1. The data highlights the effect of COPD among younger populations, who were considered to have lower risks of developing such a condition. Moreover, COPD also affect the families and therefore is now a major concern among doctors and healthcare specialists in India.
In this blog, we will explore the primary types of COPD, their signs, symptoms, causes, and treatment plans for effective management of the condition.
Key Takeaways:
- COPD affects millions of individuals in India and with a significant increase in numbers in both women and non-smokers.
- Addressing early symptoms such as mucus and shortness of breath is critical for timely diagnosis and improving overall quality of life.
- Treatment care plans, such as physical exercises and pulmonary rehabilitation, enhance the quality of life.
Types for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Some of the major reasons for disease exacerbation include tobacco usage and exposure to harmful pollutants.
COPD patients suffer from two common types, which include emphysema and chronic bronchitis; however, both conditions can coexist among patients.
1. Emphysema
Emphysema is a condition where the alveoli, which are commonly referred to as the walls of the air sacs, are damaged. Due to this condition, the alveoli lose their overall shape and ability to recoil during the expiratory phases of normal breathing cycles properly. The air trapped within damaged alveoli continues to affect the overall respiratory phase, which ultimately disrupts the cycle of airway obstruction.
Such an extended event leads to hyperinflation of the lungs, which reduces the efficacy of gaseous exchanges. Furthermore, it makes it difficult to breathe and impairs oxygenation of the blood, which leads to the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood.
2. Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is a subtype of COPD with the presence of inflammation in the large airways. Such inflammation also restricts airways and increases the accumulation of mucus, leading to cough, a common symptom of chronic bronchitis.
In India, recent research suggests that chronic bronchitis is a common issue among individuals of 35 years of age. It also suggests that there is a higher prevalence among men, with a rate of 4.29% and 2.7% among women 2.
Understanding the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease symptoms is critical to assess at early stages and recognise it to enhance treatment outcomes for COPD.
Signs and Symptoms for COPD
To understand what is COPD, you must recognise its signs and symptoms at the early stages for a strategic care plan. Some of the common symptoms that you must look for in COPD include persistent coughing accompanied by excessive mucus and difficulty in overall breathing cycles. Such instances catalyse during physical activities which affect the daily life of an individual.
Here are some of the signs and symptoms that you can look for to assess a COPD patient with a deteriorating health condition.
- Wheezing: A significant symptom where there is a high-pitched whistling during exhaling. It is due to the narrowing of airways and inflammation in the alveolar sacs.
- Shortness of breath: A common symptom of COPD due to difficulty in breathing and generally occurs during heavy physical activities, leading to exertion. Moreover, such a condition deteriorates over time.
- Excessive mucus production: COPD patients experience a cough that generates a large amount of mucus. Such excessive production of mucus leads to frequent clearing of the throat, especially in the morning.
- Persistent Cough: The symptom is known as a smoker’s cough, which is one of the earliest and clearest signs of COPD. Patients suffer from a prolonged cough accompanied by heavy mucus.
- Respiratory Infections: COPD conditions generally reduce the capacity of the lungs, and you may experience extreme cases of tiredness and frequent chest infections. Moreover, such infections also increase the chances of fatigue with swelling in the feet, ankles and decreased endurance for daily activities.
Moreover, such infections also increase the chances of fatigue with swelling in the feet, ankles, and decreased endurance for daily activities.
Next, let’s explore some of the prevalent causes for COPD in India that negatively affect your quality of life.
Major Causes for COPD
Biomass fuel exposure has been shown to correlate with lower forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) percentages, with 61% getting affected with it 3. Additionally, outdoor air pollution significantly contributes to the risk of developing COPD, further exacerbating lung health.
Here are some of the primary causes for increasing COPD cases in India;
- Indoor Air Pollution: In India, there is a heavy use of biomass fuels, in the form of cow dung and crop residues. Moreover, it is prevalent in rural India, where these are used for cooking in poorly ventilated areas. Such practice is the major cause for indoor air pollution due to the accumulation of CO2 (Carbon dioxide) and CO (Carbon monoxide), increasing the risk of COPD among non-smokers.
- Outdoor Pollutions: Urban areas are highly susceptible to increasing accumulation of air pollutants due to vehicular emissions. Despite strict emission norms and the implementation of Bharat Stage 6 in 2020, there is an accumulation of pollutants such as NO2 (Nitrogen Dioxide).
- Genetic Factors: One of the major genetic disorders which leads to lung damage among individuals includes Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (alpha-1). In such cases, early detection and a COPD care plan are vital.
- Occupational Exposures: Workers in heavy industrial sectors such as manufacturing, mining, and construction are at a high risk of developing COPD. It is mainly due to dust and chemical fumes. The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, addresses the prevention of occupational diseases such as COPD.
Isolating the complications and risk factors for COPD is critical to manage the condition and slow down disease progression.
Complications and Risk Factors for COPD
COPD is a progressive condition which leads to severe health consequences accompanied by common respiratory issues. In addition, COPD can also affect other organs and increase the chances of cardiovascular diseases. The overall progression is characterised by lifestyle, environment, and genetic factors.
Here are some of the common risk factors that can help you understand the COPD definition with risks.
- Age and Gender: COPD is a common condition in men, and individuals more than 40 years of age are at high risk. However, women are also vulnerable to the condition due to increased rates of smoking.
- Tobacco Smoke: Smoking is one of the significant risk factors for COPD in India. Moreover, exposure to second-hand smoke also enhances the chances of developing COPD among non-smokers.
- Pollution: Exposure to both indoor and outdoor pollutants is a risk factor that induces respiratory complications.
Let’s now understand some of the health complications which are associated with COPD:
1. Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a severe and prevalent complication that is common for exacerbations. Such a condition leads to inflammation and lung damage. Moreover, it leads to weakening of the lungs and difficulty in breathing, which requires extensive lung care and is a common condition during winter.
2. Respiratory Failure
It occurs when there is a lack of oxygen in the body and an accumulation of carbon dioxide. In a chronic condition, such events lead to failure of the respiratory system.
3. Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension is due to pressure in the pulmonary arteries because of a reduction in oxygen levels. With time, such events can lead to enhanced strains in the right side of the heart and require regular health check-ups to improve heart health.
4. Hypercapnia and Hypoxemia
Hypercapnia is a condition facilitated by higher levels of CO2 in the blood. In contrast, hypoxemia is a condition caused by a deficiency of oxygen. Such distinguished conditions are common amongst COPD patients and require an effective COPD care plan.
Next, let’s understand some of the popular COPD care plans and treatment strategies that can help improve chronic symptoms of the disease.
Treatment and Care Plan for COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease physical exercise is an essential component to manage the condition and help enhance respiratory function and reduce symptoms. There is no cure for COPD; however, treatments focus particularly on reducing exacerbations.
Here are some of the treatment and care plans which focus on easing up negative impacts of COPD:
- Smoking cessation: Quitting smoking can be the best plan to reduce the disease progression of COPD for both men and women who struggle with the condition.
- Inhalers: Steroids and bronchodilators can help reduce the overall inflammation and open up the airways.
- Oxygen Therapy: Individuals suffering low oxygen levels use supplemental oxygen therapy, which helps ensure an adequate oxygen supply to the vital organs. Supplemental oxygen improves the overall oxygen levels among individuals suffering from COPD.
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation: It is commonly referred to as an exercise and education program that improves lung capacity and helps manage symptoms of COPD.
- Lung Volume Reduction: Lung Volume Reduction (LVR) is an effective medical care plan if you are facing severe symptoms of COPD. However, upon evaluation from a recognised chest specialist may help you evaluate between surgery and valve procedure to improve the condition.
Also read: Winter Asthma Triggers and How to Avoid Them
Moving Forward: Managing COPD for a Better Quality of Life
COPD remains a major health concern with the rising cases and increasing impact on daily life. Early diagnosis and lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and physical exercise, help slow down disease progression. Another important factor which requires attention is pollution and environmental exposures to improve the quality of life. Having insights on the early signs and symptoms can help detect the condition and undertake proactive measures to improve the overall health condition.
Eskag Sanjeevani Hospitals are some of the best hospitals in Kolkata for exceptional care in pulmonology. It has some of the best pulmonologists in Kolkata, who offer advanced treatment which is tailored to different patient needs. Moreover, with advanced medical practices and patient-centric care, you can find a dedicated COPD specialist committed to improving your respiratory health in Eskag Sanjeevani Hospitals.
References:
COPD is mainly caused due to prolonged exposure to pollutants and irritants that damage the lung function. Smoking is a primary cause, and other secondary causes include pollution, exposure to harmful fumes in commercial places, and genetic factors.
Early signs and symptoms of COPD include chronic cough with high levels of mucus and shortness of breath during physical exertion. Other signs include fatigue and chronic respiratory infections.
Yes, COPD is much more harmful compared to asthma due to its progressive nature. Asthma, on the other hand, is episodic in nature and is usually manageable. Symptoms are similar for both conditions; however, poorly controlled asthma leads to symptoms of COPD.
Smokers are at a high risk of developing COPD, which can cause severe health implications over time. Moreover, people with a deficiency of alpha-1-antitrypsin are also at risk of COPD.
Yes, second-hand smoke is a critical factor for developing COPD among non-smokers. Some of the other factors include indoor and outdoor air pollution and dust exposures.