Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a serious, yet common, lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. If you have been diagnosed with COPD, your lungs may not function properly. It is important that you work closely with your doctor to manage your COPD symptoms.
COPD includes one or both of the following respiratory ailments:
- Chronic bronchitis—constantly inflamed and irritated airways
- Emphysema—damage to small air sacs and airways in your lungs
Smoking, genetics, and your environment can all increase your risk of COPD. Common COPD symptoms include:
- Constant coughing, also called “smoker’s cough”
- Shortness of breath while doing activities you used to be able to do
- Excessive mucus production
- Feelings of not being able to breathe
- Inability to take a deep breath
- Wheezing
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease cannot be cured, but COPD treatment options and lifestyle changes can help you feel better, stay more active, and do more of the things that you need to do.
The following shows what COPD can do to your lungs over time.
Your lungs are filled with tiny air sacs. Healthy air sacs stretch when filled with air, then return to their original shape when the air is released.
With COPD, your air sacs can become damaged—losing their elasticity and making it harder to release air from your lungs.
Airway obstruction
At the same time, the lining of your airways can become swollen and congested, making the airways themselves smaller. This swelling and increased mucus production can partially obstruct your airways.
COPD is a progressive disease
COPD is a progressive disease, which means it develops slowly and can worsen over time. Breathing becomes more difficult as the disease progresses.
Positive changes—such as a doctor-approved exercise program, appropriate nutrition, and smoking cessation, combined with doctor-prescribed treatment options, such as medications and vaccines—can help you manage your COPD, allowing you to perform everyday activities with greater ease. Understanding your COPD symptoms may also allow you to manage your expectations for each new day.
Learn about a COPD treatment option that can improve your lung function and help reduce your symptoms.
