COPD: symptoms, spirometry and treatment in Tashkent

Other names: Хроническая обструктивная disease лёгких, эмфизема, хронический обструктивный бронхит

COPD is a chronic disease in which the airways become persistently narrowed and lung tissue is destroyed. The main reason is smoking, including passive smoking, as well as prolonged inhalation of smoke from stoves and industrial dust. COPD differs fundamentally from asthma: the narrowing of the bronchi is not completely reversible and progresses slowly. The key fact that determines everything: quitting smoking is the only intervention proven to slow the progression of the disease. No inhalers do this, although they significantly relieve symptoms.

🧾 МКБ-10: J44 🏥 Where it is treated: 6 The main thing is to quit smokingObstruction is irreversibleDiagnosis - by spirometry

👨‍⚕️ Which doctor

Pulmonologist

🔬 Diagnostics

Spirometry with bronchodilator

💊 Treatment

Smoking cessation, inhalers, rehabilitation

📈 Prognosis

Progresses; smoking sets the pace

⚠️ At risk

Smoking, stove smoke, dust, α1-antitrypsin deficiency

⏱ When to see a doctor

In case of exacerbation with shortness of breath - urgently

🚨 See a doctor urgently

With these signs do not wait for a scheduled appointment — the condition requires emergency care.

Резкое усиление одышки, невозможность говорить фразами
Синюшность губ, спутанность, сонливость
Отёки ног и увеличение живота — признаки лёгочного сердца
Гнойная мокрота с лихорадкой
Кровохарканье — необходимо исключить рак лёгкого и туберкулёз
Потеря веса без причины

Symptoms

Shortness of breath is the main symptom; first during exercise, then during daily activity
Chronic cough, often morning, with sputum production
Wheezing and chest tightness
Frequent exacerbations, especially in the cold season
Over time - weight loss, fatigue, swelling of the legs

«Кашель курильщика» — не безобидная привычка. Хронический кашель с мокротой более 3 месяцев в году на протяжении двух лет подряд у курящего человека требует спирометрии.

How is it different from asthma?

COPD: begins after 40 years, almost always in smokers, shortness of breath is constant and slowly increases, obstruction persists after bronchodilator
Asthma: often begins in childhood or youth, attacks are episodic with full recovery in between, there is a connection with allergies, obstruction is reversible
Some patients have a combination of both conditions

Diagnostics

Спирометрия с бронхолитической пробой — обязательна для диагноза: сохраняющееся снижение отношения ОФВ1/ФЖЕЛ ниже 0,7 после бронхолитика подтверждает ХОБЛ.
Оценка выраженности одышки по шкалам и числа обострений за год.
Рентген или КТ грудной клетки — исключение других причин, выявление эмфиземы.
Пульсоксиметрия и при необходимости газы крови.
Общий анализ крови, при раннем начале diseases — исследование на дефицит α1-антитрипсина.

Treatment

SMOKING QUITING is the only method proven to slow down the decline in lung function; effective at any stage
Long-acting bronchodilators are the basis of inhalation therapy and are used constantly
Inhaled glucocorticosteroids - added for frequent exacerbations and high eosinophil counts
Short-acting bronchodilators - as needed
Pulmonary rehabilitation: dosed physical training and breathing exercises - proven to improve exercise tolerance and quality of life
Vaccination against influenza annually and against pneumococcus
Long-term oxygen therapy - for persistently low blood oxygen levels
Treatment of exacerbations: increased bronchodilators, short course of systemic steroids, antibiotic for purulent sputum

Многие пациенты считают, что бросать курить «уже поздно». Это неверно: отказ от курения улучшает прогноз на любой стадии и в любом возрасте, замедляя дальнейшее падение функции лёгких.

How to live with COPD

Regular physical activity - walking every day at a comfortable pace; complete rest accelerates loss of form
Breathing technique with exhalation through closed lips reduces shortness of breath
Correct inhalation technique and use of a spacer
Adequate nutrition with protein: COPD increases energy expenditure for breathing
Avoid smoke, dust, strong odors, cold air
Action plan for exacerbation, agreed with the doctor
Timely treatment of concomitant heart diseases

Frequently asked questions: COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

How is COPD different from asthma?+

In asthma, the narrowing of the bronchi is reversible and attacks are episodic, between them the person is healthy. In COPD, obstruction persists after a bronchodilator, shortness of breath is constant and slowly increases, and the cause is almost always smoking.

Is it too late to quit smoking?+

It's never too late. Quitting smoking is the only method proven to slow the decline of lung function, and it works at any stage and at any age.

Can COPD be cured?+

It is impossible to completely restore the lungs; the changes are irreversible. But you can significantly slow down the progression, reduce shortness of breath and the number of exacerbations and improve the quality of life.

Are antibiotics needed for every exacerbation?+

No. They are indicated for increased shortness of breath in combination with an increase in the amount and purulent nature of sputum. In other cases, bronchodilators are increased and, if necessary, a short course of steroids is added.

Is exercise good for shortness of breath?+

Yes, and it's been proven. Pulmonary rehabilitation with dosed training improves exercise tolerance and quality of life. Complete rest, on the contrary, accelerates deterioration.

The information on this page is for reference only and does not replace a doctor consultation. Only a qualified specialist can make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment after an in-person examination.