Prognosis and complications of COPD
The narrowing (obstruction) of the airways is usually progressive and leads to increasing physical limitations. The remodelling of the lung tissue puts a strain on the heart, as it must now pump against the altered lung tissue. The lung tissue reacts by increasing the size of the muscle tissue which leads to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
This compensation cannot be maintained forever and in the further course of time it leads to heart failure (first the right, later also the left part of the heart fails). This means that the heart can no longer pump the required amount of blood. This results in increased shortness of breath with rattling (pulmonary oedema), swelling of the liver and spleen and water retention in the legs.
The heart enlarged by lung disease is called “cor pulmonale” (lung heart). This means that there are accumulated restrictions due to the reduced gas exchange and the effects on the cardiovascular system. Other concomitant symptoms in later stages are weight loss due to the increased effort required for breathing, muscle weakness and/or osteoporosis.
Over time, the body gets used to a lower level of oxygen in the blood. Nevertheless, it is becoming increasingly difficult to compensate for infections, so that acute respiratory distress is often aggravated by respiratory tract infections, which often leads to earlier antibiotic therapy, hospital stays and additional oxygen administration or respiratory therapy. warning signs of an acute worsening of the everyday symptoms (=exacerbation): Clouding of consciousness and tightness in the chest are absolute warning signs and a doctor should be consulted immediately.
The clouding of consciousness can indicate a so-called “hypercapnic coma“. This is a coma caused by a massive accumulation of carbon dioxide due to insufficient exhalation. The exhalation can be supported by various procedures and the patient can be stabilized.
- Increasing shortness of breath
- Priapism
- Discoloration of the sputum
- Faster breathing
COPD is by definition not curable. COPD is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and is characterized by irreversible damage to the lungs. Drugs can reduce the lung’s reaction to this damage and can also help the lung tissue to regenerate.
However, a total cure is not possible. Smoking is known to be the main trigger of COPD. If an affected person stops smoking, the symptoms often improve for a long time, but there is almost always damage from which the lungs cannot recover.
COPD is therefore not considered a curable disease. So far, it is only possible to stop the progression of the disease by medication and other therapeutic options. Depending on the stage at which COPD is diagnosed, the symptoms of the disease can be held back for a long time.
The earlier the diagnosis is made, the more promising the options are. In addition to drug therapy, lung transplantation is an option for some people with COPD. In principle, this can cure COPD, as the disease is only located in the lungs, but it is associated with many risks and taking new drugs with side effects.
Life expectancy in COPD is significantly reduced compared to people who do not suffer from the disease. As the disease progresses, those affected suffer increasingly irreversible damage to the lung tissue. In particular, persons with persistent nicotine consumption must expect the disease to progress rapidly.
In the final stage, so-called exacerbations (acute deterioration) often occur, which are usually triggered by minor respiratory tract infections. The disease increasingly causes respiratory weakness, which can be improved by various drugs and aids, but a causal therapy of the disease is not possible. Thus, the progression of the disease can be delayed but not prevented.
Life expectancy in COPD is highly dependent on the severity of the disease. The age of the affected person and additional diseases also play a role. In general, it can be said that COPD reduces life expectancy by about five to seven years. Acute infections and continued smoking worsen the prognosis. Respiratory therapy and lung sports, on the other hand, can improve life expectancy.
