Chronic lower respiratory disease (CLRD) is the fourth-leading cause of mortality in the United States and is a collection of disorders affecting the lungs and airways. CLRD comprises chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis, which are four diseases that frequently overlap.

Other risk factors encompass occupational particulates and chemicals, air pollution, and recurrent lower respiratory infections during childhood, in addition to tobacco smoke. Despite the fact that CRDs are incurable, a variety of treatments that aid in clearing the airways and alleviating shortness of breath can assist in symptom management and enhance the quality of life for those affected.

The main goal of the WHO Chronic Respiratory Diseases Programme is to provide assistance to Member States in their endeavors to diminish the burden of premature mortality, morbidity, and disability that are associated with chronic respiratory conditions, with a particular focus on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.

DIAGNOSIS

A thorough physical exam, an intake history, and an evaluation of lung function are the main ways that CLRDs are diagnosed. However, more specific tests may be needed for each disease to narrow down the diagnosis.

Most diseases of the lower respiratory tract are diagnosed with a mix of the following tests:

· Blood tests such as arterial blood gases (ABG) and a complete blood count (CBC)

· Lung function tests such as peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and spirometry

· X-rays of the chest, which are often used to back up a diagnosis and may show that the lungs are inflamed

· Pulse oximetry

· Exercise capacity

SYMPTOMS

As was already said, chronic lower respiratory disease is a general term for lung illnesses. Symptoms that are common to most of these diseases are:

· Shortness of breath

· Wheezing

· Increased mucus (sputum) production

· Chronic cough

· Racing heartbeat

· Fatigue

Additional symptoms may vary depending on the root condition:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) makes it hard for air to get into and out of the lungs. Symptoms include a persistent cough, shortness of breath, coughing up mucus, and a tight feeling in the chest.

- Chronic bronchitis: Red and swollen airway linings.

- Asthma: Smoke, pollen, viruses, and other triggers can cause wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness in asthmatics. During asthma attacks, symptoms may worsen.

4 Home Remedies and Lifestyle

Lifestyle greatly affects COPD severity and development. All treatments should begin with healthy lifestyle changes. Treatment should go beyond medications.

1. Quit Smoking

Stopping cigarettes is the most crucial COPD treatment. Smoking is the major cause of COPD and worsens symptoms. For some, quitting smoking is enough to manage COPD symptoms and avoid disease progression.

2. Regular Exercise

Regular exercise improves health. It can improve COPD patients' lung function and capacity. Also helps maintain muscle strength and endurance.

3. Breathing Exercises

Breathing hard exhausts your diaphragm. COPD patients can strengthen their diaphragms and increase cell oxygenation with breathing exercises.

4. Get Enough Calories

Medication, weariness, and breathing problems all lower appetite and cause weight loss. This can worsen COPD symptoms and increase infection risk (which raises exacerbation risk).

COPD is the third biggest cause of at-home care, after congestive heart failure and stroke (39), and was the second Social Security disability after coronary artery disease (8). A 2001 American Lung Association survey, “Confronting COPD in America,” found that millions of Americans have COPD that impairs their everyday lives (40). Over half (51%) of COPD patients claimed it impeded their work. While doing light housework (46%) or washing and dressing (44%), nearly half got short of breath. While conversing, 32% of people ran out of breath, and 28% had trouble breathing even when sitting or lying down. About 25% said COPD made them invalid, and 8% were too breathless to leave home.

REFERENCES:

www.verywellhealth.com/copd-treatment-915040

www.wvdhhr.org/bph/hsc/pubs/other/clrd/national.htm

www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-chronic-lower-respiratory-disease-2224212