From the Guidelines
Lung health is crucial for overall well-being, and maintaining it is essential to prevent diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which can significantly impact respiratory function and quality of life. The lungs are vital respiratory organs responsible for gas exchange, allowing oxygen to enter the bloodstream and carbon dioxide to be expelled. Each person has two lungs located in the chest cavity, protected by the ribcage. The right lung has three lobes while the left lung has two lobes, making space for the heart. Lungs contain millions of tiny air sacs called alveoli where oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange occurs across thin membranes. When we breathe in, the diaphragm contracts and moves downward, creating negative pressure that draws air into the lungs through the trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles. During exhalation, the diaphragm relaxes, increasing pressure in the chest cavity and forcing air out.
According to the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society statement 1, the diagnosis of COPD is first suspected when a patient complains of a cough, sputum production, dyspnoea, or recurrent lower respiratory infections. The statement also highlights the importance of physical examination, chest radiography, and computed tomography (CT) scans in diagnosing and managing COPD. CT scans can estimate the degree of emphysema and its distribution, identify bronchial wall thickening and gas trapping, and detect pulmonary comorbidities such as lung cancer and interstitial lung disease.
Key factors to consider in maintaining lung health include:
- Avoiding smoking and exposure to air pollutants
- Regular exercise to improve lung function and overall health
- Practicing deep breathing exercises to strengthen the lungs and diaphragm
- Getting vaccinated against flu and pneumonia to prevent respiratory infections
- Managing chronic conditions such as COPD and asthma through medication and lifestyle changes
The BTS guidelines for the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 1 emphasize the importance of objective measurement of airways obstruction with spirometric tests to diagnose COPD. The guidelines also highlight the progressive nature of COPD and the need for early diagnosis and management to prevent severe disease. By prioritizing lung health and taking steps to prevent and manage respiratory diseases, individuals can reduce their risk of morbidity and mortality and improve their overall quality of life.
From the Research
Lung Health and Disease
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) and asthma are fatal respiratory conditions that can block the respiratory tract, leading to death if not treated promptly 2
- Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are a common treatment for asthma and COPD, and can work synergistically with long-acting β2-antagonists (LABAS) and other medications like bronchodilators 2
- The treatment of COPD and asthma involves the use of various medications, including azithromycin, which has been shown to reduce the number of exacerbations in patients with COPD 3
Treatment Options
- Salmeterol and fluticasone propionate (FP) are two medications that are commonly used to treat asthma and COPD, and their combination has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects 2
- Azithromycin has been shown to be effective in reducing the number of exacerbations in patients with COPD, and is recommended for use in patients with frequent exacerbations 3
- Different classes of antibiotics, such as quinolones, tetracyclines, and macrolides, have been compared in terms of their efficacy and safety in patients with COPD, but the evidence is limited and of very low certainty 4
Patient Assessment and Screening
- Assessing patients for air travel is an important role of physicians, particularly for those with underlying pulmonary disease, who are at increased risk of serious complications during air travel 5
- Lung cancer screening (LCS) with low-dose computed tomography (CT) is a recommended public health measure for individuals with a tobacco smoking history of at least 30 pack-years, and requires an organized step-wise approach to ensure effective care 6