Navigation
[TITLE]

[MESSAGE]

[BUTTONS]

Popular questions...

Content

Is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) the same thing as emphysema?

COPD is a term for a group of lung diseases that includes emphysema. Emphysema is a condition in which the air sacs in the lungs, called alveoli, are damaged due to inflammation from irritants. In a healthy lung, these air sacs allow oxygen in the air to move into the blood. In emphysema, there is a progressive decline in the number of air sacs, which then limits the amount of oxygen entering the blood. Furthermore, with increasing damage to the air sacs, the lungs lose their natural elasticity, which makes breathing more difficult.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a term used to describe a group of conditions that affect the lungs and cause difficulty breathing. This includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD is usually caused by smoking.

What are the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

The main symptom of COPD is shortness of breath, particularly with minimal exertion. In severe cases, you can find yourself short of breath even when resting. You may also experience coughing, sputum or mucus …

What causes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Smoking is the leading cause of COPD, but it can also be caused by long-term exposure to certain gases and fumes. These factors can lead to airway inflammation, which can damage the lung and make it more difficult to breathe.

Who gets chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

People who smoke have the highest risk of developing COPD. People who live or work in areas where there are high levels of air pollution can also develop COPD. Some people have a genetic disorder called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, …

How is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) diagnosed?

To work out if you have COPD, your doctor will give you a physical exam and perform some tests to measure how well your lungs are working. The most common test used to diagnose COPD and its severity is called spirometry. This …

How is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treated?

There is no cure for COPD, but there are several things that can help to manage the condition and relieve the symptoms. There are several types of medication available to help open up the airways and make it easier to breathe. …

Can chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) be cured?

Unfortunately there is no cure for COPD. However, medications and lifestyle changes may help manage the condition and prevent it from getting worse.

Can chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) be prevented?

The best way to prevent developing COPD is to not smoke. You can also reduce the risk of developing COPD by avoiding second-hand smoke, exposure to air pollution and dusty or smoky environments.

What is an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

An exacerbation, or flare-up, of COPD is a period where the symptoms flare up and become worse than usual. Exacerbations can be triggered by respiratory infections, such as the common cold and flu, or by breathing in …

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Asthma

Asthma is a common respiratory condition where irritants trigger the airways to become inflamed and narrowed, which makes breathing difficult. During attacks, individuals may notice wheezing, coughing, tightness in the chest and/or shortness of breath. It is important to know how to correctly manage and prevent asthma attacks.…
Diseases & conditions

Cough

Coughing is your body's way of getting rid of any foreign material or mucus in your lungs. Coughing can be a response to breathing in dust or fumes that irritate the nerve endings in the airways, or can be a symptom of a medical problem, such as a lung infection caused by bacteria or a virus, or a long-term lung disease such as asthma.…
Diseases & conditions

How to use an asthma spacer

A step-by-step guide to using an asthma inhaler: 1. Put the spacer together as directed by the instructions; 2. Remove the cap on the puffer; 3. After shaking the puffer, insert it into the end of the spacer; 4. Place the mouthpiece between your teeth and close your lips around it. Ensure there are no gaps around the mouthpiece. For young children, place the mask to cover your child's nose and mou…
Diseases & conditions

Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a lung disease in which the airways (bronchi) become damaged and scarred by repeated lung infections. It can cause a build-up of mucus in the airways, leading to persistent coughing and difficulty breathing.…
Diseases & conditions

Interstitial lung disease

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a term that covers a large group of medical conditions in which damage to and scarring of lung tissue leads to long-term breathing difficulties. Causes are varied, but include smoking, radiation therapy, exposure to allergens and irritants and connective tissue diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.…
Diseases & conditions

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a common condition that occurs when the lungs become inflamed. It causes coughing and difficult breathing. Acute bronchitis refers to the short-term type, and may occur in the aftermath of cold or flu. While the cough may be severe, it typically lasts for only a few weeks.…

About this article

Author: Dr Joanne Van der Velden PhD, BSc (Hons)
First answered: 18 Sep 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Votes: 732 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Asthma

×

Content goes in here.