COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a condition caused by damage to the airways or other parts of the lung. This damage leads to inflammation and other problems that block airflow and make it hard to breathe.
COPD can cause coughing that produces large amounts of a slimy substance called mucus . It can also cause breathing problems, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and other symptoms . Because COPD is a progressive disease, its symptoms often develop slowly but worsen over time and can limit your ability to do routine activities. Serious COPD may prevent you from doing even basic activities such as walking, cooking, or taking care of yourself.
The term COPD refers to two main conditions:
- Emphysema develops when there is damage to the walls between many of the air sacs in the lungs. Normally, these sacs are elastic or stretchy. When you breathe in, each air sac fills up with air, like a small balloon. When you breathe out, the air sacs deflate, and the air goes out. In emphysema, it is harder for your lungs to move air out of your body.
- Chronic (long-term) bronchitis is caused by repeated or constant irritation and inflammation in the lining of the airways. A lot of thick mucus forms in the airways, making it hard to breathe.
Most people who have COPD have a mixture of both emphysema and chronic bronchitis in different proportions, and how serious each condition is varies from person to person.
In the United States, COPD affects more than 14 million adults, and many others do not know they have it. More than half of those diagnosed are women. Rates are higher than average in American Indian and Alaska Native communities and in rural areas. COPD is a major cause of disability, and it is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
INFOGRAPHIC
COPD in Rural Communities Infographic
Learn what makes COPD a disease of rural America and how to take action.
The good news is that COPD can often be prevented, mainly by not smoking. In the United States and other high-income countries, cigarette smoking is the main cause of COPD. Most people who have COPD smoke or used to smoke. Worldwide, however, tobacco is related to just half of all COPD cases. In the developing world, air pollution plays a much larger role. A genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can also cause the disease.
If you have smoked or have COPD symptoms, ask your healthcare provider about your risk of COPD. Even people in their 40s have higher rates of COPD than the population overall, so don’t hesitate to ask. Although there is no cure, treatments and lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking can help you feel better, stay more active, and slow the progress of the disease. You may also need oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, or medicines to treat complications.
QUICK GUIDE
A Quick Guide on COPD
This guide provides an overview of COPD and its symptoms.