COPD...what is it? The acronym stands for: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, a condition of the lungs in which the flow and exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide is hampered by inflamed bronchial tubes. The disease manifests itself in shortness of breath, chronic cough, and fatigue. The World Health Organization (AKA: Panic Now 'Cause We're All Gonna Die! Organization) sends out the prophetic word that this will be the leading cause of death by 2030. But who will be paying attention to see if they are indeed true or false prophets? By then, they will have issued hundreds of other prophecies...and no one can possibly track them all!
The leading causes of COPD, as you might suppose, are SMOKING, POLLUTION, and WORKING, according to the WHO website.
Of course, Mayo clinic acknowledges that these factors may contribute to the progression of COPD, but the disease itself is associated with chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, and a genetic protein deficiency.
Bottom line: if you want to reduce your chances of getting the disease, don't smoke, stay inside, and by all means, avoid physical labor...it usually involves dust or vapors or chemicals. You may become depressed from this hampered lifestyle, but hey...they have drugs for that!
In the meantime, have fun celebrating World COPD Day in the privacy of your non-smoking, pollution and chemical-free home.
In the meantime, have fun celebrating World COPD Day in the privacy of your non-smoking, pollution and chemical-free home.
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