Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common and significant diseases worldwide, leading to death. Among the primary causes of COPD are active and passive smoking, along with environmental factors. The primary problem in the disease is the difficulty in airflow exchange in the lungs and shortness of breath.

COPD is generally studied in two main groups. The first one is a condition known as emphysema. In this condition, the airways and air sacs called alveoli are damaged and expand, which negatively affects gas exchange and leads to shortness of breath. Secondly, in chronic bronchitis, the airways called bronchi are constantly inflamed and narrowed, leading to shortness of breath.

The treatment of COPD is generally conducted through medical approaches. Patients are given medications such as bronchodilators, expectorants, and antibiotics for infection treatment. However, in advanced cases, lung volume reduction surgeries or lung transplantations may be necessary. Additionally, among bronchoscopic treatments, methods such as coil or valve placement in the airways, vapor ablation, and balloon therapy can also be utilized.

How Is Balloon Therapy Applied in COPD?

Balloon therapy in COPD is a commonly used adjunctive treatment method in advanced chronic bronchitis cases. In chronic bronchitis, the airways often become irritated and recurrent infections occur, leading to narrowing and thickening of the airways. In balloon therapy, a specialized bronchoscope is used to access the airways in the lungs, and thickened tissue is cleared using a balloon. As a result of this procedure, positive effects such as decreased shortness of breath and increased exercise capacity are observed in patients.

Balloon therapy is typically performed under general anesthesia. The balloon is selected according to the bronchial diameter and is inflated and deflated at a specific pressure and frequency using an electronic pump to clear the thickened tissue in the airways. As a result of this procedure, patients experience an improvement in their quality of life and are able to quickly return to their daily activities.

In conclusion, balloon therapy in COPD is an important treatment option and can positively impact patients' lives. It is stated that this treatment is effective and safe, which is a promising development for patients.