Your Guide to COPD Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Managing the Condition

Why Does COPD Demand Our Attention 

COPD is a progressive and terminal lung disease that is distinguished by a chronic inflammatory response in the lungs and persistent limitation of airflow. It’s not simply a ‘smoker’s cough’.  
 
The WHO over 3.3 million deaths globally were attributable to COPD in 2019, making it the third leading cause of death worldwide. It is estimated that COPD affects more than 390 million people globally, with prevalence rates continuing to rise, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where underdiagnosis is common. Notably, over 90% of COPD-related deaths occur in these regions, driven by factors such as air pollution, biomass fuel exposure, and limited access to healthcare. In some areas, studies estimate that up to 1 in 5 adults over age 40 may be living with undiagnosed COPD. 

What is COPD?  

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. The major clinical entities that form the definition of COPD are:  
Chronic bronchitis: long term inflammation of the bronchi with daily cough and sputum production. 
Emphysema: destruction of the walls of the air sacs (alveoli) that cause air trapping (dead space), impaired gas exchange and reduced elastic recoil of the lung. 
Pathophysiology: the underlying mechanism of COPD is chronic airway and alveolar inflammation, based on an irritant (predominantly cigarette smoke) exposure. With time, it results in:  

• Goblet cell hyperplasia and mucus hyperproduction  

• Loss of cilia and decreased mucociliary clearance  

• Bronchial wall thickening and narrowing  

• Alveolar destruction (emphysema)  

• Pulmonary vascular remodelling

   

The result is airflow limitation that is not fully reversible, distinguishing COPD from asthma. Pulmonary function deteriorates progressively, eventually leading to respiratory failure. 

Who Is at Risk? Understanding COPD Risk Factors 

Knowing the COPD risk factors is essential to prevent or delay disease onset. While smoking remains the most significant factor, COPD can and does occur in non-smokers too. 

Smoking (Primary Risk Factor) 

• Tobacco smoke is responsible for up to 70% of COPD cases in high-income countries. 

• Both current and former smokers are at risk. 

• Passive smoke exposure can also contribute, especially in children.

   

Environmental and Occupational Exposures 

• Air pollution, biomass fuel smoke, and second-hand smoke are major concerns in developing countries. 

• Occupational exposure to dusts, vapours, and chemical fumes (e.g. mining, construction, manufacturing) are strong COPD risk factors.

   

Genetic Factors 

• Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a rare but important inherited risk factor. It leads to early-onset emphysema in non-smokers.

   

Asthma and Early-life Respiratory Illnesses 

• Individuals with a history of asthma, recurrent childhood respiratory infections, or low birth weight have a higher likelihood of developing COPD.

   

Age and Gender 

• COPD is more common in people over 40, but emerging data suggests increasing prevalence in women, likely due to rising smoking rates and heightened sensitivity to pollutants.

   

By identifying these COPD risk factors, patients can take preventive steps early. With Cellmaflex, individuals can book routine check-ups, pulmonary screenings, and genetic tests with respiratory specialists without delay.

Signs and Symptoms of COPD 

The early symptoms of COPD can be subtle and are often dismissed as part of ageing or poor fitness. However, recognising these signs can lead to earlier intervention. 

Key Symptoms Include: 

• Chronic cough (with or without mucus production) 

• Dyspnoea (shortness of breath), initially on exertion, eventually even at rest 

• Wheezing 

• Chest tightness 

• Frequent lower respiratory tract infections 

• Fatigue and exercise intolerance 

• Weight loss in later stages due to increased work of breathing

   

The progressive nature of symptoms underscores the importance of early management. With Cellmaflex, patients can track their symptoms, access imaging and lab reports, and communicate with clinicians remotely for quicker intervention. 

Diagnosing COPD: Clinical and Functional Approach 

Accurate diagnosis is vital not only to initiate therapy but also to rule out mimicking conditions like asthma, bronchiectasis, and heart failure. 

Diagnostic Approach: 
Medical History & Physical Examination: Focus on smoking history, occupational exposures, and symptom duration. 
 
Spirometry: Gold standard. Post-bronchodilator FEV₁/FVC ratio <0.70 confirms airflow limitation. 
 
Chest Imaging: X-rays or CT scans reveal hyperinflation, flattened diaphragms, or bullae (especially in emphysema). 
 
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG): Assesses oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in advanced disease. 
 
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Testing: Recommended in younger patients (<45 years) or those with no smoking history. 
 
Lab Tests: Rule out anaemia, infections, or assess comorbid conditions like heart failure. 
 
Cellmaflex makes the entire diagnostic process more seamless, facilitating referrals, viewing results online, and keeping track of spirometry data over time. 

Living With COPD: Treatment and Long-Term Management 
While COPD has no cure, treatment focuses on symptom relief, slowing disease progression, and improving quality of life. 

A. Lifestyle Modifications 
Smoking cessation: The most effective intervention to slow progression. Cellmaflex can help patients locate cessation programs or nearby pharmacies for nicotine replacement therapy. 
Avoid triggers: Reducing exposure to dust, fumes, and allergens. 
Nutritional support: Especially important for underweight patients or those with muscle wasting. 
Exercise: Pulmonary rehab improves dyspnoea and stamina. 

B. Pharmacological Therapy 
Bronchodilators: Short-acting and long-acting inhalers improve airflow and reduce exacerbations. 
Inhaled corticosteroids: For moderate to severe COPD, especially with frequent exacerbations. 
Mucolytics and antibiotics: Used during exacerbations. 
Oral steroids: For acute flare-ups; not recommended long-term. 

C. Non-Pharmacological Management 

Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Multi-disciplinary programs involving physical training, nutritional advice, and education. 
Oxygen Therapy: For patients with chronic hypoxemia.  
Lung Volume Reduction Surgery or Transplant: In end-stage COPD, carefully selected patients may benefit. 
 
Cellmaflex allows patients to manage prescriptions, attend virtual consultations, and keep all medication records accessible, vital for multi-drug regimens. 

Through Cellmaflex, managing all aspects of your care, from online bookings to prescriptions, to searching for your local imaging centre, will be more interconnected, easier, and ready when you are. Don’t delay your lung health. Understand your risks. Recognise the signs.

Take action with Cellmaflex.