Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
is a type of obstructive lung disease characterized by long-term
breathing problems and poor airflow. The main symptoms include
shortness of breath and cough with sputum production. COPD is a
progressive disease meaning it typically worsens over time.
Eventually everyday activities such as walking or getting dressed
become difficult. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are older terms
used for different types of COPD. The term "chronic bronchitis" is
still used to define a productive cough that is present for at
least three months each year for two years. Tobacco smoking is the
most common cause of COPD with factors such as air pollution and
genetics playing a smaller role. In the developing world one of the
common sources of air pollution is poorly vented heating and
cooking fires. Long-term exposure to these irritants causes an
inflammatory response in the lungs resulting in narrowing of the
small airways and breakdown of lung tissue. The diagnosis is based
on poor airflow as measured by lung function tests. In contrast to
asthma the airflow reduction does not improve much with the use of
a bronchodilator.
Show More >