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Patient Education

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COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

Condition Basics

What is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a lung disease that makes it hard to breathe because air doesn't flow easily in and out of your lungs.

Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are two lung problems that are types of COPD.

  • Chronic bronchitis, Opens dialog. When you have chronic bronchitis, the airways that carry air to the lungs (bronchial tubes, Opens dialog) get inflamed and make a lot of mucus. This can narrow or block the airways, making it hard for you to breathe. It can also make you cough.
  • Emphysema, Opens dialog. With this disease, the tiny air sacs in the lungs are damaged and lose their stretch. Less air gets in and out of the lungs, which makes you feel short of breath.

COPD often gets worse over time. You can't undo the damage to your lungs. But you can take steps to help prevent more damage and to feel better.

What causes it?

COPD is often caused by smoking. Air pollution also causes COPD. Other things that may lead to COPD include breathing chemical fumes, factory dust, soot, or secondhand smoke over a long period of time. COPD can also be caused by a gene change that affects the body's ability to protect the lungs from damage.

What are the symptoms?

The main symptoms of COPD include being short of breath and having a cough that won't go away. You may also cough up mucus, Opens dialog. Sometimes your symptoms may get worse over a short time.

How is it diagnosed?

To find out if you have COPD, your doctor will do a physical exam, ask questions about your health, and may do blood tests. Your doctor may do a chest X-ray, Opens dialog to look at your lungs and have you do breathing tests to find out how well your lungs work.

How is COPD treated?

COPD may be treated with medicines like bronchodilators to help you breathe easier. Some people also use oxygen therapy to help relieve symptoms. Ask your doctor if pulmonary rehabilitation might be right for you. It includes education, exercise, and support to help people with breathing problems.

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Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.