More often out of breath Chronic lung disease COPD always begins insidiously

When smokers are always out of breath: COPD begins insidiously
On average, around 70 people die each day in Germany as a result of the lung disease COPD. Many patients often do not know for a long time about their illness, which usually begins insidiously. Above all, smokers are at risk.

Over 27,000 deaths from COPD
In 2014, more than 27,000 people in Germany died from the consequences of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD - that's 74 women and men daily, reports the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is also popularly known as smoker's cough. Many patients often do not know for a long time about their severe lung disease. It starts slowly.

The lung disease COPD usually begins insidiously and is therefore often not diagnosed for a long time. Especially smokers are affected. (Image: Ljupco Smokovski / fotolia.com)

Short breathed even with a light effort
The most important signs are sputum, coughing and shortness of breath ("AHA" symptoms), the latter often occurring initially only during physical exertion, but later also during rest.

According to health experts, the symptoms vary according to the severity of the disease. In particularly bad cases, sufferers may experience respiratory distress even with slight effort and may need to be supplied with oxygen.

In the course of time, cardiovascular diseases may be added to the patients due to the poorer oxygenation of the body.

Smoking is the number one risk factor
Although non-smokers are often affected, smoking is by far the most important risk factor for the development of COPD. Around 80 to 90 percent of COPD diseases are directly attributable to smoking, "said Drs. Heidrun Thaiss, head of the BZgA, in a statement.

Because of the usually creeping development, the early symptoms are often accepted as accompanying symptoms of smoking. Constant coughing and shortness of breath should be clarified by a doctor.

COPD is not curable, but the course of the disease can be slowed down. The most important prerequisite for this is to keep your fingers away from cigarettes.

"The best protection against COPD is non-smoking. Consistent smoking cessation is the most important step in the treatment of those affected ", Dr. Thaiss. (Ad)