The lungs are part of the respiratory system that allows the body to absorb oxygen from the air and expel carbon dioxide. Long-term exposure to irritants such as vehicle pollution, cigarette smoke, or hazardous chemicals can lead to the development of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), which has the potential to cause damage to lung tissue.

Failure to provide proper treatment for COPD can lead to the development of COPD complications, where the symptoms worsen and other health problems may occur.

Complications of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Individuals with COPD may experience exacerbations, where their symptoms suddenly worsen. During these times, emergency medical care is needed as there may be an increase in difficulty breathing, mucus production, and high risk of infection.

• Respiratory system infections 

Individuals with COPD are at higher risk of respiratory infections such as colds, flu, and pneumonia, especially if they are elderly. In this condition, the lung capacity may decrease, making it unable to clear mucus efficiently from the airways. Bacteria and viruses are more likely to enter the body and cause infections.

As it is transmitted through mosquito bites, anyone is at risk of experiencing Japanese Encephalitis. The incubation period lasts around 5–15 days. The symptoms vary from mild to severe.

• Heart diseases

COPD has a close relationship with heart disease. COPD patients have a higher risk of developing heart disease, and vice versa. The relationship between these two diseases is primarily associated with shared risk factors, one of which is smoking.

Smoking is a major risk factor for COPD and heart disease. Exposure to harmful substances in cigarette smoke can damage the respiratory tract and cause inflammation, which in turn can lead to COPD and heart disease.

COPD also causes inflammation throughout the body, which can affect blood vessels and the heart. This inflammation increases the overall risk of heart disease.

• Lung cancer

Just like heart disease, lung cancer also shares the same risk factors as COPD, such as smoking. Exposure to harmful substances in cigarette smoke triggers inflammation. Although antioxidant reactions can help repair DNA in the body, if the damage is excessive, lung cancer can occur.

Lung cancer and COPD are indeed two different diseases, but research has shown there is a connection between them. People with COPD are at higher risk of developing lung cancer, especially if they are heavy smokers. Quitting smoking is an important step in reducing the risk of lung cancer and slowing the progression of COPD.

• Pulmonary hypertension

COPD can affect the gas exchange process in the lungs, which has an impact on the cardiovascular system. Inflammation and obstruction in the respiratory passages in the lungs result in difficulty allowing oxygen to enter and exit the lungs. This difficulty increases blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries (arteries that carry blood from the heart to the lungs).

• Depression

Studies have indicated that COPD patients frequently face depression as a complication. Around 40% of COPD patients experience symptoms of severe depression. This is due to various difficulties experienced by COPD patients, such as difficulty breathing, fatigue, and decreased physical capacity, that limit daily activities and reduce quality of life. Feeling unable to do the usual things can trigger depression.

To prevent COPD complications, you are advised to quit smoking, get pneumococcal vaccinations, and undergo regular pulmonary disease treatment. You also need to talk to your doctor if you notice signs of depression while experiencing COPD.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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