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COPD
Moderate
COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a common long-term lung disease that makes it difficult to move air in and out of the lungs. It includes chronic bronchitis, which causes long-term inflammation and mucus production in the airways, and emphysema, which damages the air sacs of the lungs. Many people have features of both conditions. COPD can cause persistent cough, mucus production, wheezing, shortness of breath and reduced ability to stay active. Lung damage caused by COPD is usually permanent, although treatment and lifestyle changes can reduce symptoms and slow further damage.
Body System
Respiratory System
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek urgent medical attention for a significant worsening of breathlessness, severe wheezing, inability to speak normally because of breathing difficulty, bluish lips or face, confusion, unusual drowsiness, chest pain, or symptoms that do not improve with the person's prescribed treatment. Severe breathing difficulty requires emergency care.
Symptoms
3
Causes
4
Treatments
5
Diet
4
Overview
COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a common long-term lung disease that makes it difficult to move air in and out of the lungs. It includes chronic bronchitis, which causes long-term inflammation and mucus production in the airways, and emphysema, which damages the air sacs of the lungs. Many people have features of both conditions. COPD can cause persistent cough, mucus production, wheezing, shortness of breath and reduced ability to stay active. Lung damage caused by COPD is usually permanent, although treatment and lifestyle changes can reduce symptoms and slow further damage.
Symptoms 3
Chest Pain
Chest Tightness
Dry Cough
Causes 4
Smoking is the main cause of COPD. The risk increases with the amount and duration of smoking, although not every smoker develops COPD. Long-term exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, workplace gases, fumes, dust and other lung irritants can also contribute. Frequent exposure to smoke from cooking fires without adequate ventilation may increase risk. A rare inherited deficiency of alpha-1 antitrypsin can cause emphysema even in people who have never smoked. COPD generally develops after prolonged exposure to factors that damage the airways and lung tissue.
Autoimmune Disorder
Genetics
Infection
Stress
Risk Factors
Important risk factors for COPD include current or past cigarette smoking, long-term exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, workplace dusts and chemical fumes, and repeated exposure to smoke from poorly ventilated cooking fires. Increasing age also raises the likelihood of developing COPD because the condition usually develops during middle age or later. A family history of COPD or inherited alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can also increase risk. Repeated respiratory problems and other factors that damage the lungs may contribute to disease development or worsening.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
COPD is diagnosed from a medical history, symptoms and physical examination together with tests of lung function. The healthcare provider will ask about smoking and other exposures, cough, mucus production, breathing difficulty and activity limitations. Pulmonary function testing, particularly spirometry, can measure how well air moves through the lungs and help determine the degree of airflow obstruction. Additional tests such as chest imaging, oxygen measurements and blood tests may be used when needed to assess the lungs, identify complications or look for other causes of breathing problems.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Not smoking prevents most cases of COPD
People who smoke should consider quitting and should avoid secondhand smoke
Reducing exposure to workplace dust, chemical fumes, indoor smoke and outdoor air pollution can also protect the lungs
Good ventilation is important when cooking with fuels that produce smoke
Vaccination against influenza, pneumococcal disease and COVID-19 can help reduce respiratory infections that may worsen COPD
People with COPD should also follow their healthcare provider’s treatment plan, remain appropriately active and avoid known triggers that make breathing symptoms worse
Prevention Guidance
Not smoking prevents most cases of COPD. People who smoke should consider quitting and should avoid secondhand smoke. Reducing exposure to workplace dust, chemical fumes, indoor smoke and outdoor air pollution can also protect the lungs. Good ventilation is important when cooking with fuels that produce smoke. Vaccination against influenza, pneumococcal disease and COVID-19 can help reduce respiratory infections that may worsen COPD. People with COPD should also follow their healthcare provider’s treatment plan, remain appropriately active and avoid known triggers that make breathing symptoms worse.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 4
Recommended Foods
Omega-3 Rich Fish
May reduce inflammation.
Leafy Green Vegetables
Provide antioxidants and nutrients.
Fresh Fruits
Support immune health.
Probiotic Yogurt
May support gut and immune balance.
Foods to Avoid
Processed Foods
May worsen inflammation.
Artificial Additives
Can trigger flare-ups in some patients.
Excess Sugar
May aggravate inflammation.
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
Eczema is a chronic skin condition causing itching, redness, and inflammation.
No, eczema cannot spread from one person to another.
Stress, allergens, harsh soaps, and weather changes may trigger symptoms.
There is no permanent cure, but symptoms can be controlled.
Treatment includes moisturizers, medicines, and avoiding triggers.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.