9 Complications due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (ppok)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a condition of obstruction of the flow of air to and from the lungs caused by persistent (chronic) inflammation of the lungs. This disease cannot be cured, but the symptoms caused by COPD can be controlled so that it doesn't get worse and cause complications. There are various complications that can be caused by Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Check out the full review of the complications of COPD below.

What are the possible complications of COPD?

COPD is a lung disease that can result in obstruction of the flow of air to and from the lungs. This condition can cause shortness of breath, coughing, sneezing, and increased mucus production.

Sufferers can experience a number of complications if the disease is allowed to continue to progress and does not undergo COPD treatment.

Some of the complications of COPD that may arise include:

1. Hypoxia

People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease usually have damage to their lung tissue. Difficulty breathing is one of the consequences that arise.

COPD is a pulmonary condition consisting of chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Both of these conditions will also limit the flow of air into the body.

Limited air flow into the body will make it difficult for the lungs to take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. As a result, less oxygen enters the body. This situation can increase the risk of hypoxia.

Hypoxia is a condition of a lack of oxygen for the cells and tissues of the body. This condition can cause a number of other serious complications that can sometimes be life threatening. That is why knowing the signs and symptoms of hypoxia is very important so that you can immediately treat it before it develops into a more dangerous condition.

2. Respiratory infection

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, people with COPD tend to be more prone to colds, flu, and pneumonia. Any respiratory infection is likely to cause shortness of breath and more severe damage to lung tissue.

In a study mentioned in the International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, COPD is an important risk factor that can worsen the condition of people with influenza infection. This study was conducted on hospitalized patients with acute respiratory disease.

Influenza infection is known to be one of the most common causes of pneumonia. Therefore, when the body's defenses in the respiratory system are weakened by COPD, influenza infections that may strike are more likely to lead to pneumonia.

COPD and pneumonia are related because COPD conditions weaken the defenses of the respiratory system. As a result, you are more at risk of getting pneumonia. People with COPD who get pneumonia also have a higher risk of dying from a weaker immune system.

COPD patients are more prone to developing pneumonia because of their medical conditions. According to the journal Tuberculosis and Respiratory Disease, these conditions include the production of mucus and an increase in the number of bacteria during an exacerbation (when COPD symptoms are felt to be getting worse).

3. Heart failure

One of the most fatal complications of COPD is heart failure. This happens because the function of the lungs is closely related to the function of the heart. When there are lung problems, the heart will also be affected over time.

Quoted from the American Thoracic Society, heart failure occurs in 5-10% of people with severe COPD. In addition, COPD can also increase other heart diseases, such as heart attacks. However, the reasons for this are not fully understood.

4. Lung cancer

People with COPD have a higher risk of developing lung cancer. They also tend to get poor results after being diagnosed and through cancer treatment.

The association between COPD and lung cancer has been reported in many studies. This one COPD complication also depends on age and how severe the smoking habit is.

The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine states that the risk of lung cancer in smokers with COPD is two to times greater than that of smokers without COPD.

COPD and lung cancer are both caused by smoking and there is a lot of evidence that the two diseases are related.

Lung cancer is usually a condition that is fatal. That is why it is important to prevent complications of COPD so that the disease does not spread and further damage the lungs. One of the main ways to prevent COPD is to quit smoking.

5. Diabetes

Diabetes appears more frequently in people with COPD. However, further research is still needed to confirm the relationship between the two. The journal published by BioMed Central states that diabetes is a complication experienced by 2-37% of patients with COPD.

COPD sufferers with diabetes may complain that the symptoms of COPD tend to get worse. This is because diabetes can damage the cardiovascular system (heart and blood vessels) which can affect their lung function.

The impact of smoking on COPD people can worsen the symptoms of diabetes they have. That is why, quitting smoking is one of the main ways to prevent complications of COPD and make the disease spread even further.

6.Edema (fluid retention)

COPD often causes complications in the form of edema or swelling of the feet or hands. The reasons that people with COPD can retain salt and water in their bodies are not fully explained.

The journal published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information states that the condition may be caused by several abnormalities in the kidneys. Generally, this disorder gets worse due to the severity of COPD.

7. Osteoporosis

Many people with COPD experience a lack of oxygen intake. This in turn can cause disruption in the oxygen and nutrient intake of bone cells. This in turn causes a decrease in bone mineral density.

The studies mentioned in International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease stated that a decrease in bone mineral density and a decrease in bone quality can lead to bone fragility, as well as result in fractures in COPD patients.

The risk of osteoporosis complications can occur in COPD patients who are older, too thin, lack of physical activity, and lack of vitamin D. Doctors need to check the risk of osteoporosis in COPD patients to prevent the risk of fractures.

Regular check-ups can allow doctors to diagnose osteoporosis in COPD patients in its early stages. That way, doctors can provide the right treatment to prevent fractures.

8. Dementia

People with COPD are known to have a higher risk of cognitive decline. They also have a higher tendency to develop nerve damage.

COPD is a risk factor for dementia. Cognitive decline in those with dementia, especially in the elderly, makes managing COPD symptoms even more difficult.

People with COPD who are older than 75 years have a higher risk of developing dementia complications than those who are 65 years old. Age is a risk factor for dementia, with or without COPD.

9. Depression

Difficulty breathing due to COPD can prevent you from engaging in activities that you enjoy. Living with a serious and chronic illness, such as COPD, can also develop complications in the form of depression.

In particular, mood disorders, such as major depression, dystrophy (a chronic depressive symptom of mild severity), mild depression, and anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorders, phobias, and panic disorders) are common complications of patients with COPD.

The journal published by the European Respiratory Society states that the relationship between COPD and depression tends to be indirect. Depression can be both a cause and a consequence of COPD. However, an explanation linking COPD with depression has not been found.

Smoking increases the risk and severity of COPD, making daily activities strenuous and stressful. This in turn can increase the risk of depression or anxiety in people with COPD.

Untreated anxiety and depression in people with COPD can make the condition worse. If you have this condition, you will need to perform pulmonary rehabilitation, stop smoking, and take psychological medication and antidepressant therapy.

What can I do to prevent complications of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?

The following are some steps that can prevent complications from COPD:

1. Stop smoking

The main way to prevent complications from COPD is to stop the main cause of COPD, which is smoking. This step can help you reduce your risk of heart disease and lung cancer.

2. Vaccinations

Get the annual flu vaccination and routine vaccinations for pneumococcal pneumonia to reduce your risk of developing complications from respiratory infections, such as influenza and pneumonia.

3. Seek help with depression

Talk to your doctor if you feel sad or helpless, or if you may experience symptoms of anxiety and depression. You also need help dealing with the stress caused by COPD.