Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a group of lung diseases that block airflow and make it increasingly difficult to breathe. In contrast to asthma, the limitation of airflow is poorly reversible and usually gets progressively worse over time. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two main conditions that make up COPD.

COPD is caused by noxious particles or gases, most commonly from smoking, which trigger an abnormal inflammatory response in the lung. The inflammatory response in the larger airways is known as chronic bronchitis, which is diagnosed clinically when people regularly cough up phlegm. In the alveoli (air sacs), the inflammatory response causes destruction of the tissues of the lung, a process known as emphysema.

COPD is a leading cause of death and illness worldwide. Damage to the lungs can't be reversed, so treatment focuses on controlling symptoms and minimizing further damage. Important management strategies are smoking cessation, vaccinations, rehabilitation, and drug therapy (often using inhalers). Some patients go on to requiring long-term oxygen therapy or lung transplantation.