What is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disorder. COPD includes two main illnesses: chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Our airways are shaped like an upside-down tree. When we breathe in air:

Moves into the trachea (the "trunk" of the upside-down tree)
Flows into smaller tubes called bronchi and bronchioles (the "branches" of the tree)
Makes its way into air sacs called alveoli (the "leaves" of the tree)

Oxygen from the air passes through the alveoli and into the bloodstream. At the same time, waste gas (carbon dioxide) is passed from the blood stream to the alveoli and exhaled.

Causes of COPD

Smoking is the leading cause of COPD. Other causes include: Breathing industrial wastes for a long of time and scarred or damaged lung tissue.

Signs of COPD

Problems breathing
Shortness of breath
Wheezing
Excess mucus
Coughing
Weakness and exhaustion
Weight loss

As less oxygen gets into the bloodstream, the person's lips, nails, and skin may look blue. Heart failure (a condition that results when the heart cannot pump blood effectively can also develop.)

How is COPD treated?

Your provider will advise you of the treatment. Some options include:

Stop smoking
Medicine, including antibiotics and steroids
Oxygen
Surgery