About COPD

Article summary

• What is COPD?
• What are COPD symptoms?
• How is COPD diagnosed?
• What causes COPD?
  • Smoking
  • Secondhand smoke
  • Environment
  • Lung infections
  • Hereditary
• How to treat COPD
• Prevention tips

All about COPD

What is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. It happens when the lungs get damaged over many years. The two main types of COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Many people have a mix of both.

Chronic bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis happens when the airways get swollen and make too much mucus. This can block the airways and make breathing harder. People often have a cough that lasts a long time.

Emphysema

Emphysema happens when the tiny air sacs in the lungs get weak and cannot stretch well. This makes it hard for air to move in and out, which can cause shortness of breath.

What are the symptoms of COPD?

Common symptoms include:

• Trouble breathing
• A long-lasting cough
• Shortness of breath during daily activities
• Wheezing
• Feeling tired

Symptoms usually start in middle age or later.

(SOURCE: All above from WHO/COPD, Nov. 5, 2024)

How is COPD diagnosed?

Your doctor can test how your lungs work.

You take a deep breath and blow into a tube as hard as you can. This test is called spirometry, and it helps show how well your lungs move air.

You may repeat the test a few times to make sure it is correct.

What causes COPD?

COPD can happen for a few reasons, but smoking is the main cause.

Smoking

Smoking harms the lungs and airways. If you smoke, quitting can help slow the disease and help you breathe better.

Secondhand smoke

Breathing smoke from other people can also damage your lungs.

Environment

Air pollution, dust and fumes at home or at work can harm the lungs over time. If you work around chemicals or dust, use a safety mask.

Lung infections

Serious lung infections during childhood can weaken the lungs.

Hereditary (runs in families)

In rare cases, COPD can be passed down from parents.

How to treat COPD

There is no cure, but treatment can help you feel better and slow the disease.

Medicines include:

• Pills
• Inhalers
• Powders
• Liquids

Not everyone takes the same medicine. Your doctor will choose what is right for you.

To help your medicine work well:

• Take it at the same time each day
• Do not stop taking it unless your doctor says so
• Keep taking it even when you feel good
• Get refills before you run out
• Call your doctor if you have questions or worries

Do not take less medicine to save money. It may not work if you take too little.

Prevention tips

Here are ways to help protect your lungs and feel better:

• Quit smoking. Quitting helps you breathe easier and slows lung damage.
• Stay away from lung irritants, such as air pollution, strong smells, smoke, dust, mold and pet hair.
• Get a flu shot to help prevent infections.
• Wash your hands often and avoid people who are sick.
• Exercise to build strength and improve breathing. Ask your doctor before starting a new routine.
• Eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water unless your doctor gives you other directions.
• Follow your treatment plan. It helps prevent flare-ups.

Living with COPD

Living with COPD can feel hard at times, but you are not alone. Your health care team can help you make a plan to manage symptoms and stay healthy. Talk with loved ones about how they can support you.

If you feel out of breath a lot, have a long-lasting cough, or get tired easily, talk to your doctor. Getting help early can improve your life and help protect your lungs.