Overview
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD, is a chronic lung disease that obstructs airflow out of the lungs. Symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, phlegm, and wheezing. People with the following conditions are at risk of COPD: Emphysema – lung damage caused by smoking or by long-term inhalation of irritant gases and other particles, in which the alveoli (the small air sacs in the lungs) are destroyed. Chronic bronchitis – a persistent cough accompanied by phlegm. COPD symptoms often do not appear until the lungs are significantly damaged, and they usually worsen over time, especially if smoking continues. In Vietnam, COPD has an even higher mortality rate than deaths from traffic accidents. People with COPD have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, and many other conditions. The disease can be prevented if detected early. Most patients can control their symptoms while reducing the risk of complications.
Regular health check-ups help detect lung conditions, including after a Covid-19 infection.
Risk factors
- Smokers and people exposed to tobacco smoke: This increases the risk of COPD, especially in people with asthma or a genetic predisposition to the disease.
- An unhealthy living and working environment: Exposure to dust and chemicals in the workplace, or to smoke from burning fuel indoors (fuel used for cooking and heating), can all increase the risk of COPD.
- Age: The risk of COPD increases with age, especially in people over 40, because the symptoms usually take many years to develop.
- Genetic disorders: Although rare, a deficiency of alpha-1 antitrypsin – an important protein that protects the lungs – can also cause some cases of COPD.
COPD screening
More accurate with AI technology & modern CT scanning
At GC&Phenikaa, we apply new-generation low-dose computed tomography integrated with artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze lung images with outstanding accuracy. The AI system calculates in detail the areas of reduced alveolar density and evaluates them using the Goddard score – an international standard in COPD diagnosis. As a result, patients benefit from:
- Early detection of COPD risk, even before clear symptoms appear.
- Reduced diagnosis time, helping doctors make treatment decisions more quickly and effectively.
- Safety through a low radiation dose, minimizing the impact on those being screened.