Diagnostics and Treatment of COPD

Prim. Univ.-Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Popp

Medical fields:
Pneumology, Respiratory diseases

COPD – “chronic obstructive pulmonary disease” – is a chronic disease in which the airways and lungs are permanently narrowed (= obstruction). In the advanced stage, patients find it difficult to breathe, and simple everyday activities leave patients out of breath. COPD usually develops over many years. Two phenomena come together: chronically inflamed, narrowed bronchi and, as a result, pulmonary emphysema - i.e. overinflated and subsequently destroyed air sacs - which reinforce each other. Men are affected more often than women. In Europe, COPD is already the third most common cause of death. The most important risk factors are smoking and constantly inhaling polluted or dusty air.

Symptoms

The lungs have very large reserves and patients don't feel anything for a long time if their condition continually worsens over the years. Only when a large part of the lung reserve has already been lost does COPD become noticeable through coughing and shortness of breath. Typical symptoms include:

• Permanent cough over a long period of time
• Shortness of breath during physical exertion (also at rest when the disease is advanced)
• Sputum
• Breathing noises such as wheezing and crackling
• Increased symptoms of colds and flu

Diagnosis

The disease is often not recognized at the beginning. Smokers often trivialize their symptoms and call them “smoker’s cough”. However, persistent coughing and frequent shortness of breath can indicate COPD and should definitely be clarified in order to be able to stop the progression of the disease in the event of COPD.

The diagnosis by the lung specialist includes a clinical examination, lung function test, whole-body plethysmography (determination of lung volumes and degree of emphysema), as well as imaging diagnostics (X-rays and/or low-dose CT). When COPD is diagnosed, it is important to determine the stage of the disease is and the risk of complications so that treatment can be planned accordingly.

Treatment

COPD cannot be cured but can be well treated. Treatment aims to slow progression and relieve symptoms. Attacks of shortness of breath can be prevented with the help of medication, for example with inhalation sprays. Depending on the stage of the disease, combinations of different medications, including medicines, are possible. The most important measure, however, is to stop smoking or avoid other exposure to harmful substances. This can be achieved with the help of special training and medication. If COPD is very advanced, treatment with oxygen may also be necessary.

When COPD remains untreated

In the advanced stages of the disease, the lungs can no longer supply the body with enough oxygen. This also results in changes to other organs. Even harmless infections of the respiratory tract can cause the lung function to suddenly deteriorate in patients with COPD and the symptoms to become threatening.

Operations and procedures for COPD treatment

Lung surgery is only an option if COPD is very advanced. Various procedures can be used to remove or shrink diseased parts of the lungs to reduce lung volume and make breathing easier. Under certain conditions, a lung transplant is also an option.

Rehabilitation

Pneumological rehabilitation (pulmonary rehabilitation) helps to get chronic obstructive pulmonary disease better under control and to lead as normal a life as possible. During rehabilitation, a treatment plan is put together that is tailored to your personal needs. Training improves resilience and shortness of breath.

Diagnostics and treatment in the Döbling Private Hospital

At the Döbling Private Hospital, the treatment of COPD is a medical focus. The lung specialists advise patients in detail and tailor therapeutic measures to each individual patient. All necessary examinations - professional pulmonary function testing with whole-body plethysmography (“large lung function”), testing of diffusion and gas exchange in the lungs as well as imaging diagnostics - can be carried out in-house without long waiting times.