What is COPD?
General information only. This article explains the basics and is not medical advice. For anything about your own health, talk to a doctor or other qualified professional.
Quick answer
COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a group of long-term lung conditions, mainly emphysema and chronic bronchitis, that narrow the airways and make it harder to breathe out. The main cause is smoking. COPD can’t be cured, but treatment can help people breathe more easily.
Breaking down the name
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Chronic | Long-lasting |
| Obstructive | The airways are narrowed, so air flows out more slowly |
| Pulmonary | Relating to the lungs |
| Disease | A medical condition |
The two main forms
- Emphysema: The tiny air sacs in the lungs are damaged, so less oxygen gets into the blood.
- Chronic bronchitis: The airways stay inflamed and produce extra mucus, causing a long-lasting cough.
Many people have features of both.
Common symptoms
- Shortness of breath, especially when active
- A persistent cough, often with phlegm
- Wheezing and chest tightness
- Frequent chest infections
Symptoms usually develop slowly, so people often mistake them for “just getting older” or a “smoker’s cough.”
What causes COPD?
- Smoking is the leading cause.
- Long-term exposure to dust, fumes and chemicals at work
- Air pollution, including smoke from cooking or heating with wood or coal indoors
- A rare genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
COPD is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.
Prevention and management
Not smoking, or quitting at any age, is the most effective way to protect the lungs and slow COPD down. Doctors diagnose COPD with a simple breathing test called spirometry. Management can include stopping smoking, lung exercise programs (pulmonary rehabilitation), vaccines to prevent chest infections and treatments a doctor prescribes. Anyone with a long-lasting cough or breathlessness should see a doctor. Long-term lung health is also linked to the heart; see what hypertension is.
Sources
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