[Common Diseases] Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
A comprehensive guide to treating and managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Hong Kong
What is COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive, irreversible respiratory disease that mainly includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema .
According to the Hong Kong Department of Health, COPD patients suffer from chronic airway inflammation and narrowing, which gradually destroys the alveolar structure, leading to airflow obstruction and increased breathing difficulties over time.
In Hong Kong, COPD is more common among long-term smokers , people who have been exposed to secondhand smoke, air pollution or occupational dust for a long time, and the proportion of patients is also higher among the elderly.
Common COPD symptoms in Hong Kong
- Persistent cough (often with phlegm)
- Chronic shortness of breath (especially during activity or climbing stairs)
- wheezing or chest tightness
- Recurrent respiratory infections
- In severe cases, people may lose weight, have swollen feet, or have blue lips or fingers (a sign of hypoxia).
Editor's reminder:
The early symptoms of COPD can easily be mistaken for "lack of breath due to old age" or "coughing due to long-term smoking", but early diagnosis and treatment can significantly slow the progression of the disease.
Treatment goals for COPD
- Relieve symptoms (reduce shortness of breath, cough, and phlegm)
- Improve quality of life and exercise endurance
- Reduce the number and severity of acute exacerbations
- Delaying disease progression
- Reduced risk of death
1. Quit smoking – the most important step
- Smoking cessation is the only intervention that can significantly slow COPD exacerbations .
- There are several smoking cessation resources in Hong Kong:
- Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office, Department of Health, Smoking Cessation Hotline (1833 183)
- Hospital Authority Smoking Cessation Counselling Clinic
- NGO smoking cessation services (such as the Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health)
- It can be used in conjunction with nicotine replacement therapy (gum, patch) or smoking cessation medication (such as Varenicline), which requires a doctor's prescription.
Let me tell you:
Even after a COPD diagnosis, quitting smoking can still be beneficial—it can reduce coughing and sputum production and slow the rate of decline in lung function.
2. Drug treatment (commonly used in Hong Kong)
The main medications for COPD are inhaled bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs .
(1) Short-acting bronchodilators (SABA/SAMA)
- Short-acting benzodiazepine agonists (SABAs) : such as Salbutamol (Ventolin)
-
Short-acting anticholinergics (SAMAs) : such as Ipratropium (Atrovent)
➤ Fast-acting, suitable for acute relief of shortness of breath.
(2) Long-acting bronchodilators (LABA/LAMA)
- Long-acting alpha-2 receptor agonists (LABA) : such as Formoterol and Salmeterol
-
Long-acting anticholinergics (LAMAs) : such as Tiotropium (Spiriva)
➤ 1-2 times a day to help maintain airway dilation and reduce attacks.
(3) Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)
- Example: Budesonide, Fluticasone
➤ Effective for patients with frequent acute exacerbations and often used in combination with LABA.
(4) Combined inhalers (ICS/LABA, LABA/LAMA, ICS/LABA/LAMA)
- All-in-one inhalers are common in the Hong Kong market and are convenient for patients to use.
⚠️ Editor's reminder:
- The medication needs to be adjusted by the doctor according to the condition.
- The correct use of inhalers directly affects the efficacy. You can ask a pharmacist to demonstrate.
3. Pulmonary Rehabilitation
The Hong Kong Hospital Authority and some private medical centres offer pulmonary rehabilitation programmes , which include:
- Breathing exercises (such as pursed lip breathing, abdominal breathing)
- Physical exercise (to enhance endurance and muscle strength)
- Nutritional guidance
- Condition education and self-management skills
Editor's suggestion:
Rehabilitation programs can significantly improve exercise tolerance and quality of life, even for patients with severe illness.
4. Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT)
- Suitable for patients with hypoxemia (confirmed by blood gas analysis).
- Daily use of ≥15 hours improves survival.
- In Hong Kong, the Hospital Authority will provide home oxygen machines based on clinical assessment.
5. Surgery and interventional treatment
- Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS): Suitable for patients with severe emphysema.
- Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction: Using a stent or balloon to reduce the amount of diseased lung space.
- Lung transplantation : the last option for extremely ill patients.
6. Preventing acute exacerbations
- Get a flu shot every year
- Get pneumococcal vaccine (PCV13/PPSV23)
- Treat respiratory infections early
- Avoid exposure to smoke, chemical gases, and dust
Warning signs of a COPD exacerbation
- Significantly worsening shortness of breath
- Increased sputum volume or yellow/green color
- Fever, chest pain
- Bluish lips or fingers
Treatment method :
- Use a rescue inhaler immediately
- If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention or go to the emergency room immediately
Medical resources in Hong Kong
- Hospital Authority Respiratory Specialist Clinics : Long-term follow-up and treatment adjustments
- General Outpatient Clinic/Private Clinic : Daily Medical Management
- Community nursing services : home visits, oxygen machine support
- NGO support : patient education, smoking cessation counseling
Tips for daily life for COPD patients
- Regular follow-up : monitoring lung function (spirometry)
- Maintain exercise habits : avoid long-term bed rest
- Balanced diet : A high-protein diet helps maintain muscle
- Psychological support : Long-term shortness of breath can easily lead to anxiety and depression, and you can seek support groups
- Carry a rescue inhaler with you
💡Editor ’s summary
COPD cannot be completely cured, but smoking cessation, regular medication use, exercise, and infection prevention can significantly slow progression and improve quality of life. In Hong Kong, both public and private healthcare systems offer sophisticated treatment options and support services. With proactive patient support, patients can coexist with the disease long-term and even maintain an active lifestyle.
Disclaimer : This article is for reference only and does not constitute any medical advice. The source is referenced from major medical articles.
