Avoid the risk of worsening from the world’s third leading killer disease through proactive disease management

According to WHO, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) ranks 3rd among the causes of death in the world, causing the deaths of over 3 million people in 2019. This is a chronic disease with serious effects. It is important to the health and quality of life of patients, and is a burden on the health system. Proactive disease management is one of the important factors that help people with COPD avoid the risk of worsening.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the bronchi that causes irreversible obstruction of airflow when breathing, causing symptoms such as prolonged coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, etc. The disease can cause many complications such as acute and chronic respiratory failure, pneumonia, heart failure, etc.

At Phu Tho Provincial General Hospital, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease accounts for about 30% of hospitalized cases at the Department of Respiratory and Gastroenterology. Each year, the Hospital receives nearly 100 new cases. Currently, the Hospital is managing nearly 500 patients with COPD. In many cases, patients with COPD, thanks to good management, were examined and treated promptly when risk symptoms appeared, helping symptoms improve quickly and leaving no sequelae. heavy.

The case of a 57-year-old male patient was hospitalized at the Department of Respiratory and Digestive Internal Medicine, Phu Tho Provincial General Hospital with difficulty breathing and wheezing. The patient has a history of hypertension and smoking for many years. Even though I have stopped smoking for a long time, when taking chest CT scans, doctors still note lung damage such as emphysema and pulmonary emphysema.

Patients had their respiratory function measured and diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Due to early treatment, the patient’s condition improved very quickly, with less difficulty breathing, less coughing and phlegm, and was discharged from the hospital after 4 days of treatment using preventive medicine according to instructions.

Similarly, in the case of a patient with LTN in Bach Hac, Viet Tri who has had COPD for nearly 10 years, thanks to effective disease management and compliance with doctor’s orders and regular check-ups, the patient has had COPD for many years. years, but the blood test indicators and lung function measurements are still stable, the patient is still happily enjoying a healthy life.

However, in the case of TVV patients, even though they have been diagnosed with COPD for 10 years, the patient does not comply with regular check-ups and does not maintain regular use of preventive medicine, so he is often hospitalized for attacks. Acute COPD causes rapid decline in lung function. In particular, recently a patient had to be hospitalized for a severe COPD exacerbation requiring oxygen and prolonged treatment.

Causes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

There are many causes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as:

• Smoking cigarettes and tobacco: This is the main risk factor. People who smoke cigarettes and pipe tobacco for many years cause inflammation of the bronchial mucosa, causing changes in the structure of the bronchial wall. Over time, the tracheobronchial structure changes irreversibly, causing obstruction of airflow when breathing.
• Working environment exposed to dust and toxic gases for long periods of time: stone mining, coal cooking,…
• Genetic factors: genetic variation, alpha1-antitrysin deficiency
• Other causes: after treatment for tuberculosis, bronchiectasis, etc.

Symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Prolonged cough and phlegm, recurrent wheezing and difficulty breathing are common symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. When the patient arrives late, there may be other symptoms such as fever, chest pain, leg swelling, recurring pneumonia, etc.

During an acute attack, the symptoms are more intense and diverse such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, cyanosis, coughing up green phlegm, yellow phlegm, chest pain, etc.

According to research, the more acute exacerbations occur, the faster lung function declines. Therefore, controlling exacerbations with preventive medications is a key factor in maintaining stable lung function and improving the patient’s quality of life.

Management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

People with a history of smoking cigarettes or waterpipe tobacco for many years with symptoms such as coughing up phlegm, wheezing, and difficulty breathing should be examined to rule out obstructive lung disease. Based on tests, lung films and respiratory function measurements to confirm diagnosis.

When diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, preventive medications in the form of sprays and inhalers are mandatory and should be used according to doctor’s instructions for maximum effectiveness.

Factors leading to the onset of exacerbations are improper use of prophylactic drugs, insufficient doses, and superinfection. Patients need to live in a fresh, well-ventilated environment, have a complete and balanced diet, and control underlying diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, heart failure, etc.

At Phu Tho Provincial General Hospital, clinic 417 (4th floor, building A) is a clinic specializing in the management of bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Patients are managed, monitored and periodically re-examined to receive instructions on medication use, health care and exercise regimens.

This article is based on the expertise of resident doctor Ha Ngoc Thuy – Department of Respiratory and Gastroenterology, Phu Tho Provincial General Hospital.