COPD, here is a disease which unfortunately gets little attention but which kills 1 person every 30 minutes in France! Insidious, it considerably impacts the quality of life of patients, limiting them in their daily activities. And if it affects the respiratory system, COPD will also gradually attack the cardiovascular system. Explanations on the occasion of World COPD Day this November 21.
COPD, an underdiagnosed respiratory failure
“COPD means chronic obstructive pulmonary disease“, explains Professor Romain Kessler, pulmonologist at the University Hospital Center of Strasbourg (Bas-Rhin). “It is a disease of the bronchi, and the adjective “chronic” indicates that the disease lasts a lifetime. “Obstructive” means that the bronchi are blocked, which is measured by a test called a “pulmonary function test”. The latter is also essential for diagnosing COPD.“
If tobacco plays a central role in the occurrence of this disease, we must not overlook other causes, such as indoor, industrial and atmospheric pollutants. In terms of symptoms, the disease progresses in a sneaky manner. “The most common are cough, sputum (or sputum) and dyspnea, or shortness of breath, which varies depending on the severity of the illness. And in severe forms, the quality of life of patients is greatly impaired, with, for example, difficulty climbing stairs and sometimes even just speaking because the shortness of breath is so severe.“
Unfortunately, the diagnosis of the disease is often late. So much so that two thirds of patients ignore it. “This is explained by the banality of the first signs, such as cough which does not trigger a consultation with the doctor. Furthermore, some patients may present only minor symptoms until an advanced stage of the disease.” Hence the importance of consulting your doctor if you experience these symptoms. The same goes for patients already diagnosed so that they can benefit from regular monitoring.
Shortness of breath, fatigue, sputum, symptoms to watch out for
For some patients, exacerbations of the disease – sustained and rapid deterioration of respiratory status – can be very distressing. “In some cases, they lead to hospitalizations“, specifies Professor Kessler. “They worsen symptoms, which can have a significant impact on quality of life. Patients who have already had exacerbations are at greater risk of experiencing further ones. It is therefore essential to monitor them closely, teaching them to recognize the warning signs, such as increased shortness of breath or a runny nose, so they can react quickly.“And according to our specialist, “general practitioners also have an important role to play in identifying patients in whom the disease is not sufficiently controlled.“Just as it is also essential to prevent these exacerbations, for example by focusing on appropriate physical activity.
Take into account the heart/lung link
It is not recognized enough, but if COPD is indeed a respiratory disease, it has a considerable impact on the heart. In France, 2 out of 3 patients with COPD have a diagnosed cardiovascular disease. And approximately 1 in 2 patients die of respiratory or cardiovascular causes within 3.6 years following their first severe exacerbation. “The heart and lungs have interdependent functions, so chronic respiratory diseases like COPD can also affect the cardiovascular system, especially in cases of pulmonary hypertension,” explains Professor Kessler. “This causes greater pressure in the lungs, which can then affect the heart. Additionally, COPD is associated with chronic inflammation that may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases.“According to our specialist, this partly explains why “there is a strong link between COPD and cardiovascular mortality. Many patients die from heart disease, especially after severe exacerbations of COPD.”
An association that listens to patients
Jean-Paul Vasseur is vice-president of the French Federation of Associations and Associations of Respiratory Sick, Insufficient or Disabled People, FFAAIR. “We know that respiratory failure also affects the heart. If the lungs do not receive enough oxygen, the heart inevitably suffers. We need to educate more about this heart-lung connection to save lives.“
Because in fact, this is the main mission of the FFAAIR. “Our role is to provide reliable information to patients and their loved ones, and to direct them to local associations, so that they can benefit from appropriate support. In France, we have 51 affiliated associations. We also place particular emphasis on the promotion of physical activities adapted for people with respiratory insufficiency.“
For more information: https://ffaair.org/
COPD in figures:
- 3.5 million people in France suffer from COPD, two thirds of whom are unaware of their state of health.
- Each year the disease causes 100,000 hospitalizations.
- And it kills more than 18,000 people in France.
- According to the World Health Organization, COPD is the third leading cause of death worldwide.
You should not hesitate to consult your general practitioner at the slightest symptom because the earlier the disease is controlled, the more limited the risks of progression. And in patients already diagnosed, regular recourse to the doctor also makes it possible to better manage COPD and its consequences.
