1. Emphysema 2. Chronic Bronchitis is the two most common kinds of COPD. COPD is classified into four phases, ranging from moderate to severe. A persistent cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing are some of the symptoms.
1. Emphysema:
Emphysema develops over time and is characterized by the slow deterioration of lung tissue, notably the alveoli (tiny air sacs).
This damage gradually leads the air sacs to burst, resulting in one large air pocket rather than several little ones. This decrease in lung surface area confines air in the injured tissue and prevents oxygen from entering the circulation.
Furthermore, the obstruction leads the lungs to gradually overfill, making breathing increasingly difficult.
Emphysema has been diagnosed in over three million persons in the United States.
Because it is so closely connected to smoking, emphysema is one of the most avoidable respiratory ailments.
Smoking is the leading cause, but air pollution, an alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, and respiratory infections can all play a role.
Emphysema symptoms and signs take years to develop, but once they do, they typically include shortness of breath, mucous coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness.
To diagnose emphysema, many tests are required, including chest X-rays, pulse oximetry, spirometry, and pulmonary function tests, and arterial blood gas test, and an electrocardiogram (ECG).