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Keeping active could help people with COPD stay healthy28 September 2006 A study published in the Journal Thorax suggests that people with a type of lung disease called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are less likely to be admitted to hospital or die of the disease if they stay physically active. How was the study carried out?The researchers recruited 2,386 subjects who had taken part in a large population-based survey called the Copenhagen City Heart study. All subjects had COPD - defined by the results of their lung function tests - and their average age was 60. They all filled out a questionnaire on their regular physical activity, alcohol consumption and current smoking habits. They also answered questions on their current symptoms and whether they had been admitted to hospital in the previous 12 months. The subjects then had a follow-up visit 12 years later, when they filled in another questionnaire. What did the results show?The data showed that the subjects who reported taking part in regular physical activity were less likely to have been admitted to hospital or to have died due to COPD-related problems. The authors conclude that people with COPD should be encouraged to stay active and that walking or cycling for about two hours each week could reduce COPD-related health risks. How conclusive are the findings?There are some limitations to this study. The questionnaire did not take into account the participants' diets - so it is possible that the group who were less active also had unhealthy diets, which could have affected their health risks. The authors suggest that future studies include the effect of diet. The study also does not take into account any changes the subjects may have made to their physical activity after completing the first questionnaire. What is COPD?COPD causes breathing trouble and, unlike some other lung problems, it never fully goes away. It is caused by permanent damage to the lungs as a result of having chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both of these. Bronchitis means inflammation of the bronchi - the main airways that lead from your windpipe into your lungs, and emphysema means damage to the structure of the air sacs in your lungs. Smoking is the most common cause of this lung damage. Symptoms of COPD usually start out as a smoker's cough, which progresses to wheeziness as the lungs start producing too much mucus. People with severe COPD can be breathless even when resting, and have to make an effort to breathe air in and out of their lungs. The shortage of oxygen getting to the body can give their lips a blueish colour and can cause heart problems. For more information on COPD, see the Bupa health factsheet, COPD. Who gets COPD?As well as smoking, there are some other factors that can make people more likely to get COPD. If you work in a smoky environment, are exposed to a lot of pollution or are particularly sensitive to smoke inhalation, you may be more at risk of the disease. Some people have an inherited condition, called alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, which makes them more susceptible. How is COPD treated?There is no cure for COPD and any damage to your lungs is mostly irreversible, but the symptoms can be treated. People with severe COPD often need regular hospital treatment. If you smoke, the most important part of treatment is to stop smoking. If you quit smoking, you can slow down the progression of the condition, even if you've had it for a long time. For more information on how to stop smoking, see the Bupa health factsheet, Giving up smoking. Other steps to help reduce symptoms include avoiding smoky environments that can irritate your lungs, having a flu jab every year, exercising and eating a healthy diet. There are also some medicines that can help to ease the symptoms of COPD. Your GP will be able to give you more advice on these and other treatment options.
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