Respiratory

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) — Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Q: What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) — Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment?

A comprehensive guide to COPD — what it is, causes, symptoms, risks, and current treatments.

2025-09-18

Intro

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung condition that makes it hard to breathe. It is most often caused by long-term smoking, but other factors like workplace exposures or genetics can also contribute.

Key Points

COPD includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Main symptoms: cough, mucus, wheezing, and breathlessness.
Smoking is the leading cause, but not the only one.
No cure, but treatments improve symptoms and quality of life.
Severe cases may need oxygen or surgery.

Symptoms

Chronic cough (often with sputum)
Wheezing or whistling sound while breathing
Shortness of breath, especially on exertion
Frequent respiratory infections
Fatigue and reduced exercise tolerance

Causes and Risk Factors

Smoking (most common cause)
Long-term exposure to air pollution, dust, or workplace chemicals
Genetic factors (e.g., alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency)
Age (more common in people over 40)

Diagnosis

Spirometry: measures airflow obstruction.
Chest X-ray or CT scan: shows lung damage (emphysema).
Blood tests: check oxygen and CO₂ levels.
Physical exam: listening to lungs, history of smoking or exposures.

Treatment

Quit smoking — most important step.
Inhalers: bronchodilators and steroids reduce symptoms.
Pulmonary rehabilitation: exercise + breathing training.
Oxygen therapy: for advanced cases.
Surgery: lung volume reduction or transplant (rare).

Risks and Prognosis

COPD is progressive but manageable.
Increases risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and pneumonia.
Life expectancy varies depending on severity and treatment.
Early diagnosis + quitting smoking slows progression.

FAQ

Q: What is COPD?
A: A long-term lung disease that causes airflow limitation, usually due to smoking.

Q: What are the main symptoms?
A: Cough, sputum, wheezing, breathlessness, frequent infections.

Q: How is it diagnosed?
A: With lung function tests (spirometry), imaging, and medical history.

Q: Can COPD be cured?
A: No, but treatment controls symptoms and slows progression.

Q: What is the most important treatment?
A: Quitting smoking.