Best COPD Treatment in Mumbai

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) is related to the lungs and airway, which makes breathing difficult and limits the airflow in and out of the lungs. People with COPD have inflammation and scarring in the airways that damages the air sacs in both the lungs, causing obstructions. Symptoms may include trouble breathing, a daily cough that brings up mucus, and a tight, whistling sound in the lungs called wheezing.

Although the condition usually worsens over time, COPD is treatable and manageable. Many hospitals, such as Gleneagles Hospitals, offer the best COPD treatment in Mumbai to ensure patients are able to breathe properly. 

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder is a progressive lung condition that causes airflow limitation, making it difficult to breathe. It includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema - which leads to reduced lung function and long-term respiratory impairment. COPD can cause coughing that may produce a large amount of slimy mucus. In addition, it can also cause shortness of breath, chest tightness, and other symptoms.

Not everyone has the same symptoms, and many are not aware of the symptoms - this makes COPD treatment delayed. At first, the patient may have no to mild symptoms, which may look like normal coughing and wheezing. With COPD, less air flows in & out of your airways for one or more reasons:

• Your air sac walls are destroyed
• Lungs that are enlarged and swollen (inflamed) constrict their airways
• The capacity of the airways and small air sacs to expand and contract is lost
• More mucus is produced by the airways, which can plug them and prevent airflow

Less oxygen reaches bodily tissues when there is less airflow into the lungs. Patients can have more breathing-related symptoms as it gets more difficult for air to enter and exit the airways. The Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Treatment in Mumbai depends on the findings of the test reports. 

COPD is not identified until the condition advances further. This is because most people don’t understand the early signs. Most people think shortness of breath is just a sign of getting old. But here are early signs that indicate COPD:

• Trouble catching breath, especially during physical activities
• Wheezing or whistling sound when breathing
• Chest tightness or heaviness
• Lack of energy or feeling tired
• Frequent lung infection
• Sudden weight loss
• Swelling in feet, legs, or ankles

Symptoms can worsen quickly - this is called exacerbation, which can last for several days to weeks. They are mostly caused by triggers such as smells, cold air, air pollution, colds, or infections. Symptoms may include - coughing more often, fever, more mucus or changes in mucus colour or thickness, etc. In severe cases, acute exacerbation of COPD treatment is necessary to stabilise breathing and prevent further deterioration. 

Here are two types of COPD that mostly affect people:

• Emphysema: Emphysema is one form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterised by damage to the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs. The condition reduces the air exchange - which causes shortness of breath, chronic cough, and wheezing. It is usually caused due to smoking, though air pollution and genetic factors may contribute. The condition's progress leads to declination in lung function, making it difficult for everyday activities.
• Chronic Bronchitis: Chronic Bronchitis is a type of COPD - which is marked by long-term inflammation of the bronchial tubes. This leads to persistent cough with mucus production for at least three months per year for two consecutive years. It is also caused due to pollution, smoking, and genetic factors. Chronic bronchitis treatment usually focuses on reducing inflammation and improving airflow through bronchodilators and steroids, as well as lifestyle changes like smoking cessation and pulmonary rehabilitation.

The symptoms of both types may include - chest tightness, shortness of breath, and frequent respiratory infections. 

Before charting out a plan for COPD treatment in Mumbai, doctors conduct certain lung function tests called - spirometry. The test involves blowing out into a small machine that tests air movement and monitors lung capacity. The doctor will also listen to the lungs using a stethoscope, showing prolonged expiratory time or wheezing.

To ensure proper diagnosis, doctors may ask the patient to undergo tests such as - X-rays and CT Scans. This is because a COPD patient’s lungs may seem normal sometimes. Also, a blood test (arterial blood gas) measures the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. This helps in discussing the best Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Treatment in Mumbai.

During the treatment discussion, the doctors were informed about the severity of the condition and the type of COPD. Though the condition is not curable, there are certain things patients can do to relieve symptoms and prevent the disease from worsening. 

Treatment methods can range from lifestyle changes to medication, oxygen therapy, and even surgical interventions. Here’s what treatment for COPD includes: 

Medications

Medications play a major role in managing the symptoms and preventing flare-ups:

• Bronchiolitis - These medications are used to relax the muscles around the airways, making it easier to breathe. Short-acting bronchodilators offer quick relief, while long-acting bronchodilators offer sustained symptom control.
• Corticosteroids - Inhaled corticosteroids help reduce airway inflammation. This is mainly used for COPD exacerbation treatment. Your COPD Doctor in Mumbai may prescribe oral or systemic steroids for short periods to manage severe flare-ups.
• Combination Inhalers - Some patients benefit from inhalers that combine both - corticosteroids and bronchodilators to control the symptoms.
• Mucolytics & Expectorants - These help loosen the mucus, making it easier to clear from the airways.
• Antibiotics & Antiviral Medications - COPD patients are prone to respiratory infections. Antibiotics help with bacterial infections, while antivirals help with conditions like influenza. 

Oxygen Therapy

COPD treatment in Mumbai for patients who have advanced COPD and low oxygen levels involves supplemental oxygen therapy. It helps maintain proper oxygen levels, reduce breathlessness, and prevent complications such as - heart strain. Oxygen is mostly delivered through nasal cannulas or face masks. There are also portable tanks available to enhance mobility. 

1. Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Pulmonary rehabilitation is also used for lung damage treatment. This includes lung function training, education, and counseling to patients. These programs are done to enhance the overall well-being. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs focus on breathing techniques, endurance exercises, and psychological support to help patients manage COPD effectively. 

2. Surgical Methods: In severe COPD cases, patients may be recommended the following treatments:

• Lung Volume Reduction Surgery - This involves removing damaged lung tissue to improve lung function.
• Bullectomy - Removes large air-filled spaces (bullae) in the lungs that interfere with breathing.
• Lung Transplant - This is mainly recommended for patients with end-stage COPD or who do not respond to other treatments. 

Here are a few risks and complications of COPD: 

• Pulmonary hypertension
• Persistent shortness of breath
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Chronic cough with mucus production
• Osteoporosis from prolonged steroid use
• Muscle weakness and reduced exercise tolerance
• Reduced lung function, leading to severe disability
• Sleep disturbance and sleep apnea due to breathing problems
• Increased risk of acute exacerbations requiring hospitalisation
• Higher risks of infection, blood clot, loss of blood, etc., post-surgery

The best way to prevent COPD is to quit smoking and avoid exposure to passive smoking and pollution. COPD patients are more likely to get pneumonia and respiratory issues. It can also cause acute exacerbations of the symptoms. It is advised to:

• Avoid crowded places
• Wash your hands regularly
• Disinfect the home, car, etc.
• Wear a mask around others, as recommended
• Get all the recommended vaccinations, including flu, pneumococcal pneumonia, and COVID-19.

Gleneagles Hospital is known for offering advanced respiratory treatment, which includes Emphysema and Chronic bronchitis treatment. With a team of experienced pulmonologists and state-of-the-art facilities, we offer comprehensive support for individuals battling COPD.