What is COPD? Who has it?

COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. There are 2 main conditions that are associated with COPD. The first condition is emphysema (the most common) and the second condition is chronic bronchitis. Smoking tobacco is the most common cause for COPD, although there are relatively rare genetic conditions that lead to similar changes without the influence of smoking cigarettes.

The term “chronic” represents that the anatomical changes in the lungs become fixed and may not reverse, although stopping smoking will certainly slow down the progression towards oxygen dependency. The term “obstructive” refers to the loss in elastic recoil of the lung tissue that will prevent the airways to be sufficiently opened at the time of exhaling air. This causes functional obstruction and air to be trapped in the lungs.

COPD can be a seriously debilitating condition. In its more severe form, it leads to the need of oxygen supplementation for the patient. In addition, a person with COPD is more prone to lung infections and even minor viral illnesses can cause acute respiratory failure. This can cause the need for intensive care and mechanical ventilation.

As it was mentioned before, smoking tobacco is the main culprit for this condition. It is never too late to stop smoking. COPD progression may not be stopped but it may be slowed down significantly. There are several medications that can be used in order to treat symptoms and reduce the functional obstruction in the airways. A physician will help any patient regarding smoking cessation and the treatment of COPD.

Marco A. Ramos MD

The Importance of Organ Donation

Organ donation is extremely important. Many people are currently in waiting lists for kidney, liver, heart, lung, pancreas and intestine transplants. A significant percentage of these patients, pass away before receiving the transplant.

The situation for every organ is different. While people in need for a kidney transplant or a liver transplant can receive an organ (or part of it) from a living donor (provided that the donor is immunologically compatible with the recipient), the other organs need the donor to be a deceased person. Also, while people with kidney insufficiency can undergo dialysis treatments while waiting for a kidney transplant, the situation is different for the other organs because besides medical treatment, there is no effective way of replacing the organ functions. 

How to become an organ donor? There are a couple of ways. Any person, at the time of registering for an state ID or (renewing it) can register as an organ donor. In addition, there are state organ donation registries, accessible through the internet. It is important to carry a card that can provide consent for a donation of organs in the event of sudden death. Living donation is also possible in the event of a friend or relative needing an organ. There are also “paired donation programs” by which, in the event the donor is not compatible with the intended recipient, there could be a “cross donation” by which an organ will be given to a compatible recipient provided that this recipient has a donor compatible with the first recipient.

There are medical conditions that a living donor must not have in order to qualify to donate an organ . These are HIV disease, diabetes mellitus, malignancies or any chronic infectious problem. Also, the donor must not have any condition that may be worsened by organ donation like, for example, chronic kidney disease.

Finally, it is important to say that for the transplant recipient, the problems are not over after receiving the donated organ. They have to continue with lifelong immunosuppressive therapy which has risks of their own. However, overall, it is a second chance for enjoying life.

For further information visit: www.organdonor.gov

Marco A. Ramos MD