CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung
disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. Symptoms include breathing
difficulty, cough, mucus (sputum) production and wheezing. It's typically caused by
long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, most often from cigarette
smoke. People with COPD are at increased risk of developing heart disease, lung
cancer and a variety of other conditions.
Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two most common conditions that
contribute to COPD. These two conditions usually occur together and can vary in
severity among individuals with COPD.
Chronic bronchitis is inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, which carry
air to and from the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs. It's characterized by daily cough
and mucus (sputum) production.
Emphysema is a condition in which the alveoli at the end of the smallest air
passages (bronchioles) of the lungs are destroyed as a result of damaging exposure
to cigarette smoke and other irritating gases and particulate matter.
Although COPD is a progressive disease that gets worse over time, COPD is
treatable. With proper management, most people with COPD can achieve good
symptom control and quality of life, as well as reduced risk of other associated
conditions.
SYMPTOMS:
COPD symptoms often don't appear until significant lung damage has occurred, and
they usually worsen over time, particularly if smoking exposure continues.
Signs and symptoms of COPD may include:
Shortness of breath, especially during physical activities
Wheezing
, Chest tightness
A chronic cough that may produce mucus (sputum) that may be clear, white,
yellow or greenish
Frequent respiratory infections
Lack of energy
Unintended weight loss (in later stages)
Swelling in ankles, feet or legs
People with COPD are also likely to experience episodes called exacerbations,
during which their symptoms become worse than the usual day-to-day variation and
persist for at least several days.
When to see a doctor
Talk to your doctor if your symptoms are not improving with treatment or getting
worse, or if you notice symptoms of an infection, such as fever or a change in
sputum.
Seek immediate medical care if you can't catch your breath, if you experience severe
blueness of your lips or fingernail beds (cyanosis) or a rapid heartbeat, or if you feel
foggy and have trouble concentrating.
CAUSES: -
The main cause of COPD in developed countries is tobacco smoking. In the
developing world, COPD often occurs in people exposed to fumes from burning fuel
for cooking and heating in poorly ventilated homes.
Only some chronic smokers develop clinically apparent COPD, although many
smokers with long smoking histories may develop reduced lung function. Some
smokers develop less common lung conditions. They may be misdiagnosed as
having COPD until a more thorough evaluation is performed.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung
disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. Symptoms include breathing
difficulty, cough, mucus (sputum) production and wheezing. It's typically caused by
long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, most often from cigarette
smoke. People with COPD are at increased risk of developing heart disease, lung
cancer and a variety of other conditions.
Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two most common conditions that
contribute to COPD. These two conditions usually occur together and can vary in
severity among individuals with COPD.
Chronic bronchitis is inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, which carry
air to and from the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs. It's characterized by daily cough
and mucus (sputum) production.
Emphysema is a condition in which the alveoli at the end of the smallest air
passages (bronchioles) of the lungs are destroyed as a result of damaging exposure
to cigarette smoke and other irritating gases and particulate matter.
Although COPD is a progressive disease that gets worse over time, COPD is
treatable. With proper management, most people with COPD can achieve good
symptom control and quality of life, as well as reduced risk of other associated
conditions.
SYMPTOMS:
COPD symptoms often don't appear until significant lung damage has occurred, and
they usually worsen over time, particularly if smoking exposure continues.
Signs and symptoms of COPD may include:
Shortness of breath, especially during physical activities
Wheezing
, Chest tightness
A chronic cough that may produce mucus (sputum) that may be clear, white,
yellow or greenish
Frequent respiratory infections
Lack of energy
Unintended weight loss (in later stages)
Swelling in ankles, feet or legs
People with COPD are also likely to experience episodes called exacerbations,
during which their symptoms become worse than the usual day-to-day variation and
persist for at least several days.
When to see a doctor
Talk to your doctor if your symptoms are not improving with treatment or getting
worse, or if you notice symptoms of an infection, such as fever or a change in
sputum.
Seek immediate medical care if you can't catch your breath, if you experience severe
blueness of your lips or fingernail beds (cyanosis) or a rapid heartbeat, or if you feel
foggy and have trouble concentrating.
CAUSES: -
The main cause of COPD in developed countries is tobacco smoking. In the
developing world, COPD often occurs in people exposed to fumes from burning fuel
for cooking and heating in poorly ventilated homes.
Only some chronic smokers develop clinically apparent COPD, although many
smokers with long smoking histories may develop reduced lung function. Some
smokers develop less common lung conditions. They may be misdiagnosed as
having COPD until a more thorough evaluation is performed.
