Thu. May 19th, 2022

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD is a chronic lung disease which continues to progress over time. It is a condition wherein the airways of the lungs become inflamed and narrowed. The clogged mucus makes it difficult for air to go in and out of the lungs which results to breathing difficulties. It is considered one of the leading causes of death and morbidity worldwide and has become a huge economic burden to healthcare system globally.

When you have COPD, it is most likely that you also have one or both conditions that comprise the disease – Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema. In chronic bronchitis, there is persistent coughing due to production of mucus that is more than normal. There is damage to the airways causing inflammation and thickening which makes it difficult to breath. Emphysema on the other hand, is a condition where the walls of the air sacs are destroyed which leads to fewer, larger and less flexible sacs. This leads to lesser surface areas for oxygen absorption from the air you breathe. COPD is acquired through smoking and constant exposure to environmental substances such as fumes or gases, pollution, heavy amounts of secondhand smoke, frequent use of a cooking fire without ventilation, and inhalation of chemical irritants. Although there are people who smoke for years and never get COPD, it is more likely for them to develop the disease with constant smoking.

Proud that it is the first business that introduced the IQOS products in the city and is happy that it saved many lives from cancerous diseases such as lung cancer and mouth cancer. IQOS is the abbreviation for “I Quit Ordinary Smoking.” This brand is well known for promoting smoke-free and ash-free alternatives to conventional/traditional. The conventional or traditional cigarette emits smoke and produces ash, which is very harmful not only for the smoker but for other non-smokers and the surrounding environment. The smoke destroys the lungs from the inside and develops lung cancer that is responsible for the death of many smokers, especially chain smokers.

What IQOS invented is something totally different, new and is the marvel of the latest technology that they call “HEET technology,” the HEETS USA technology benefits the user by heating the specially designed HEET sticks at the temperature of 350 degrees celsius. Upon heating the HEET sticks, they produce the vape, which is a blend of tobacco and the flavor of your choice (depending on the HEET flavor) that you have chosen. Without any smoke or ash, you only get the pure flavor and the tobacco, and that is much safer than smoke for the smokers, and without any smoke or ash, our surrounding is safe from the harms of conventional cigarettes.

The most common treatment for COPD is bronchodilation. Bronchodilator therapy helps improve lung function, decrease the severity of symptoms, and reduce the risk of future exacerbations (flare-ups which cause sudden difficulty in breathing) in COPD. These bronchodilators may be taken in the form of an inhaler or nebulizer which helps loosen tightened muscles around the airways of the lungs thereby normalizing a person’s breathing. The two most commonly used are Anoro and Spiriva.

Here are their brief description and safety information:

Anoro is an inhalation powder containing umeclidinium, an anticholinergic and vilanterol, a bronchodilator. Both of these medicine components work to relax the muscles in the lung airways to facilitate easy breathing.

  • It is approved for use in COPD but not in asthma.
  • It is not used to treat flare-ups or sudden breathing problems. It is necessary to always bring an emergency inhaler prescribed by your doctor.
  • People with asthma taking vilanterol for a long time may be at risk of death from asthma problems although it is not known to increase risk of death among COPD patients.
  • Anoro should not be taken if you have severe allergy to milk proteins or any ingredients of Anoro.
  • Common side effects include: sore throat, sinus infection, lower respiratory infections, common cold symptoms, constipation, diarrhea, pain in arms and legs, muscle spasms, neck and chest pain.
  • Adverse reactions may include: rash or hives, swelling of face, mouth, and tongue, breathing problems, tremors, nervousness, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, eye pain or discomfort, blurring of vision, nausea and vomiting, halos or bright colors seen around lights, red eyes, and urinary problems.

Spiriva (triotoprium) is a bronchodilator that helps relax muscles in the airways and increases flow of air to the lungs.

  • It is used for daily long-term treatment among people with asthma 6 years and older but is not used to treat sudden attacks of asthma or COPD.
  • Spiriva is not to be used by people who have allergies to similar drugs or any of its ingredients.
  • Allergic reactions may include hives, skin rash, itching, swelling of lips, tongue, or throat. The reported common side effects are sore throat, headache, cough, dry mouth, and sinus infection.
  • Severe reactions may include: bronchospasm, increased eye pressure, dizziness, blurry vision, and urinary retention.
  • Do not spray Spiriva to your eyes as it may cause irritation and remember to not swallow the capsules. The contents should only be inhaled by mouth using a handihaler device.

For both of these bronchodilators, immediately call your doctor in case of breathing difficulties or any adverse reactions. Be extra careful or avoid driving and other tasks requiring mental alertness or are hazardous. Inform the doctor your history of illness including other medicines taken, herbs, vitamins and supplements as they may have a reaction to the medicine. Take only as prescribed and do not immediately stop taking the medications without the doctor’s advice. For more information, consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment because COPD is usually mistaken for asthma.

Disclaimer:

This material is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and should not be relied as  medical advice. Always consult your doctor before taking any medication or supplements.

By Matej