Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name for a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties.
It includes:
- emphysema - damage to the air sacs in the lungs
- chronic bronchitis - long-term inflammation of the airways
COPD is a common condition that mainly affects middle-aged or older adults who smoke or used to smoke.
COPD can also affect non-smokers. This may be due to exposure to second-hand smoke, illnesses in childhood, or genetic factors.
Most people with COPD do not have any obvious symptoms until they reach their 40s or 50s.
Symptoms of COPD
Common symptoms of COPD include:
- increasing shortness of breath - this can happen during exercise and often gets worse over time
- wheezing or whistling sounds when you're breathing
- a persistent chesty cough with phlegm that never seems to go away
- frequent chest infections
The symptoms will usually get worse over time. They can make daily activities difficult to do. Treatment can help slow the progression of the condition.
Sometimes your symptoms may suddenly get worse. This is known as a flare-up. You may need treatment when a flare-up happens.
When to get medical advice
Non-urgent advice: Talk to your GP if:
- you have symptoms of COPD, particularly if you're over 35 and smoke or you used to smoke
A breathing test can help find out if you have COPD.
The sooner treatment begins, the less chance there is of severe lung damage.
Causes of COPD
COPD happens when the airways become inflamed, damaged and narrowed.
The main cause is smoking or passive smoking (breathing in other people's tobacco smoke). But COPD can sometimes affect people who have never smoked.
Some cases of COPD are caused by long-term exposure to harmful fumes or dust. Others are the result of a rare genetic problem that makes the lungs more vulnerable to damage.
Treatment for COPD
The damage to the lungs caused by COPD is permanent. But treatment can help slow down the progression of the condition.
Treatments for COPD may include:
- stopping smoking
- inhalers and medicines
- pulmonary rehabilitation
- surgery or a lung transplant
Outlook for COPD
The outlook for COPD varies from person to person. The condition cannot be cured or reversed.
For many people, treatment can help keep it under control. This means that COPD may not limit your daily activities.
But in some people, COPD may continue to get worse despite treatment. It can have a significant impact on your quality of life. It can also lead to life-threatening problems.
Exercise, COPD and me - copd.ie
Preventing COPD
COPD is a preventable condition.
You can reduce your chances of developing it if you:
- reduce your exposure to harmful fumes and dust
- avoid infections
- avoid smoking
Stopping smoking can help stop further damage to your lungs.
