Respiratory

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

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

2 min read

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.

Further Reading