People die in all sorts of ways. In this article, we’ll focus on one of the top ten causes of death. That’s because the majority of deaths in the world (>50%) are attributed to the top ten causes. By understanding the top ten causes of death and how to avoid them, you can stack the odds in your favor for living a longer than average life.
Heads up: This article was commissioned as a part of the Adam Rush Project. It was an experiment I did a few years ago to see if having books written by ghostwriters would be commercially viable. It wasn't. That said, the following article was written by someone else and not yet edited to my standards. I hope to find time to rewrite it myself in the future, but for now, read with caution.
Disclaimer: I wish I could tell you that I’m a doctor, but I can’t. I’m just an inquisitive author with a background in science and a love for practical research. The content of this article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. If you want medical advice, ask a real doctor.
What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a general term that describes progressive lung ailments including refractory asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and other forms of bronchiectasis. In the early stages of such diseases, most people mistake the symptoms as a regular part of aging. In fact, you can develop COPD for several years without having a clue. Some signs of COPD include shortness of breath, chest tightness, frequent coughing, and wheezing.
COPD affects 30 million people in the United States and close to half of the affected people don’t even know it. It is essential to go to your doctor for screening if you notice any of the symptoms. A primary cause of COPD is inhaling pollutants such as tobacco smoke. Genetic factors are also a risk factor even if a person has never smoked. Chemicals, dust, and fumes in the environment can also increase the chances of developing COPD. COPD causes an estimated 3.17 million deaths a year globally. 90% of deaths occur in low and mid-income countries.
How to Avoid Dying from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Even if you are genetically predisposed to developing COPD, there are still some things you can do to prevent it. Some effective preventative measures include:
Avoid smoking
If you smoke, quit. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you are already a smoker, quitting will reduce your chances of developing lung cancer. People who have been smoking for years should consult with their doctor about how to quit. Some viable options include support groups, nicotine replacement products, and medication.
Avoid second-hand smoke
If you are living or working with a smoker, do what you can to avoid the second-hand smoke. Also, avoid areas where smokers congregate. Always seek smoke-free locations.
Avoid exposure to pollutants
Take precautions to avoid exposure to toxic chemicals, especially at work. Always follow workplace safety guidelines. If you work in an environment with exposure to carcinogens, ask your doctor about how you can better protect yourself.
Vaccinations
People afflicted with COPD should get a flu vaccine each year. When a person with COPD gets the flu, it can develop into something more serious such as pneumonia. Regular flu vaccinations also help reduce the risks of COPD flare-ups.
If you have COPD, ask your doctor about the pneumococcal vaccine to prevent pneumonia. Doctors typically recommend a single shot for people under the age of 65, and two different vaccines for people over 65.
Another essential vaccine for people suffering from COPD is the pertussis vaccine to prevent whooping cough. Whooping cough substantially elevates your chances of getting COPD flare-ups.
Get medical attention immediately if you notice symptoms
If you notice any of the symptoms of COPD, seek immediate medical attention. The typical treatment regimen aims to slow the decline of normal lung function. When on treatment, you should quit smoking and avoid exposure to lung irritants that can aggravate the symptoms. In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is easily avoidable if you don’t have a genetic predisposition to it. All you have to do is avoid the risk factors, and it could ultimately save your life.