COPD, a common preventable and treatable disease is characterized by the persistent airflow limitation that is usually progressive and associated with enhanced chronic inflammatory response in the airways and the lungs to noxious particles or gases.
EXACERBATIONS and COMORBIDITIES contribute to the overall severity in individual patients.
COMPLIANCE is the ability of the lung tissue to expand which is debilitated due to the damage of lung tissue. The most common symptom include shortness of breath and chronic cough.
Compliance= ΔV/ΔP ( ΔV = Change in volume, ΔP= Change in Pleural Pressure)
Normal adult lung compliance ranges from 0.1 to 0.4 L/cm H20. COVID-19 infection can increase the risk of severity of symptoms for individuals with COPD. Individuals with COPD are more likely to need hospital treatment if he/she is infected with COVID-19.
Several research reveal that individuals with COPD have higher risk of COVID-19 pneumonia than others. Here are some frequently questions that are being routinely asked, in relation with COPD and COVID-19. Does someone with COPD contract the virus (COVID-19) more than others? Individuals with COPD are not more likely to contract the virus. However, the severity of symptoms and risk is much higher with COPD patients while infected by COVID-19. They are more likely to be hospitalized.
What are the precautions for a COPD patient to avoid COVID-19 infection?
There arent any extra precautions for COPD patients as COVID-19 is highly contagious and any person can get infected quite easily. That's why it is world's, one of the most dreaded infection. COPD patients or others must follow Social and Physical Distancing, avoid shaking-hands, going out unneccessarily , using hand sanitizers and wearing a mask. As the risk is higher for COPD patients, it is advisable to not go out and maintain isolation.
What is the medical treatment of a patient with COPD and COVID-19?
COVID-19 might not be a typical AECOPD(Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), physicians must take the underlying COPD into consideration when treating COVID-19 in COPD. Concerns have been raised as to whether and how these therapies should be offered to patients with COPD during the pandemic.
What to do if COPD patients contracts COVID-19 virus?
Despite all the precautions one may still get sick. If one begin to develop symptoms that could be signs of a COVID-19 infection contact your doctor and follow him. As mentioned earlier. Research and evidence suggests you might be more likely to require an intensive care unit (ICU) with a severe case of the infection due to your COPD. However, let your doctor decide when to go to the hospital.
This blog is posted for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read in this blog.
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