Could You Have COPD Without Knowing It?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that affects millions worldwide, causing breathing difficulties, chronic cough, and reduced quality of life.

While there is no cure, proper management can help patients live longer and more comfortably.

This article thoroughly explores Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, including its causes, symptoms, stages, diagnosis, and treatment options such as Anoro Ellipta, Stiolto Respimat, and Tudorza.

What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease? Definition and Key Facts

COPD is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that obstructs airflow, making breathing difficult.

It primarily includes chronic bronchitis (inflammation of the airways) and emphysema (damage to lung air sacs).

• COPD ICD-10 Code: J44.9 (unspecified COPD)
• Main Symptoms: Shortness of breath, chronic cough, wheezing, and excess mucus production.
• Global Impact: The third leading cause of death worldwide, with smoking being the primary risk factor.

What Causes COPD Disease?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease develops due to long-term exposure to irritants that damage the lungs. The three main causes are:

1. Smoking (Primary cause, responsible for 80-90% of cases)
2. Air Pollution & Occupational Exposure (Dust, chemicals, fumes)
3. Genetic Factors (Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a rare condition)

Other Risk Factors:

• Secondhand smoke
• Frequent respiratory infections in childhood
• Aging (most patients are diagnosed after 40)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treatment Options

While there’s no cure for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, treatments can alleviate symptoms and improve daily functioning.

Medications are central to management, with bronchodilators being the cornerstone. Three notable inhaled medications include:

1. Anoro Ellipta

Anoro Ellipta combines two bronchodilators: umeclidinium (a LAMA) and vilanterol (a LABA).

This once-daily inhaler helps relax airway muscles, improving airflow and reducing symptoms.

It’s designed for long-term maintenance treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and is not suitable for asthma patients.

2. Spiolto Respimat

Spiolto Respimat contains tiotropium (a LAMA) and olodaterol (a LABA). This combination works synergistically to open airways and ease breathing.

It’s administered once daily and is intended for long-term maintenance therapy in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patients.

3. Tudorza Pressair

Tudorza Pressair delivers aclidinium bromide, a LAMA that helps prevent bronchospasm by relaxing airway muscles.

Tudorza is used twice daily for maintenance treatment in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patients. It is not a rescue inhaler and should not be used for sudden breathing problems.

What’s the Difference between COPD and Asthma?

While both conditions cause breathing difficulties, they differ in key ways:

Feature	COPD	Asthma
Onset	Usually after 40	Often starts in childhood
Triggers	Smoking, pollution	Allergens, exercise
Reversibility	Not fully reversible	Often reversible with treatment
Inflammation	Chronic, progressive	Episodic, variable

Note: Some patients have asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS), requiring specialized treatment.

The 4 Stages of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (GOLD Classification)

The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) classifies Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease into four stages based on FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second):

1. Stage 1 (Mild COPD) – FEV1 ≥ 80% predicted

• Mild symptoms, often unnoticed.

1. Stage 2 (Moderate COPD) – FEV1 50-79%

• Shortness of breath during exertion.

1. Stage 3 (Severe COPD) – FEV1 30-49%

• Frequent exacerbations, reduced activity.

1. Stage 4 (Very Severe COPD) – FEV1 < 30%

• Life-threatening, possible respiratory failure.

How is it Diagnosed? Key Tests

Diagnosis involves a combination of:

✅ Spirometry (Measures FEV1/FVC ratio – gold standard)
✅ Chest X-ray or CT scan (Checks for emphysema)
✅ Arterial Blood Gas Test (Measures oxygen & CO2 levels)
✅ 6-Minute Walk Test (Assesses exercise tolerance)

Early detection is crucial to slow disease progression.

Can You Improve it? Treatment & Management

While Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is irreversible, treatments can slow progression and improve quality of life:

1. Medications

• Bronchodilators: Relax airway muscles (short-acting for quick relief, long-acting for maintenance).
• Anoro Ellipta (Umeclidinium/Vilanterol): A once-daily LAMA/LABA combo that improves lung function and reduces exacerbations.
• Stiolto Respimat (Tiotropium/Olodaterol): A LAMA/LABA inhaler that enhances exercise endurance.
• Tudorza (Aclidinium): A twice-daily LAMA for long-term symptom control.
• Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS): For patients with frequent flare-ups.
• Phosphodiesterase-4 Inhibitors (e.g., Roflumilast): Reduce inflammation.

2. Lifestyle Changes

• Quit smoking (Most critical step!)
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation (Exercise & breathing training)
• Vaccinations (Flu & pneumonia shots to prevent infections)

3. Oxygen Therapy & Surgery

• Long-term oxygen therapy for severe cases.
• Lung volume reduction surgery or transplant in extreme cases.

Can You Live a Normal Life with COPD?

Yes, with proper management! Many patients maintain an active lifestyle by:

• Sticking to treatment plans (e.g., using Anoro Ellipta or Stiolto Respimat regularly).
• Avoiding triggers (smoke, pollution).
• Exercising (Walking, yoga, breathing exercises).
• Monitoring symptoms and seeking help during flare-ups.

Life Expectancy: Varies by stage—early detection and treatment can extend survival.

Conclusion: Managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Effectively

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a serious but manageable condition.

With advancements in medications like Anoro Ellipta, Stiolto Respimat, and Tudorza, patients can experience better symptom control and fewer exacerbations.

Early diagnosis, smoking cessation, and treatment adherence are key to living a fulfilling life with it.

If you need medications for COPD, feel free to inquire about the prices.

About DengYueMed – HK Drug Wholesale Distributor

As a legally compliant drug import and export company, DengYueMed is certified by the pharmacy & Poisons Board of Hong Kong — you can verify our qualification on their official website.

Our efforts to improve the affordability of  COPD treatment aim to ensure that more patients can benefit from this important medication.

HK DengYue provides detailed medicine information, transparent pricing, and responsive support to ensure a smooth and reliable buying experience.

Feel free to reach out anytime to discuss your needs or ask questions about the medicine. We welcome you to contact us for a consultation.

FAQ About COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)