COPD Overview
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung diseases that affect the lung’s airways and air sacs and make it difficult to breathe. The two main types of COPD are chronic bronchitis, defined by a long-term cough with mucus; and emphysema, defined by destruction of the lungs over time. Most people with COPD have a combination of both conditions. COPD can’t be cured, but WellStar can help you manage COPD to improve your quality of life.
COPD Symptoms
COPD symptoms may develop slowly over time. They include:
- Coughing with mucus
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Tightness in the chest
These symptoms may appear years before airflow into and out of the lungs is impaired, and having these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have COPD. It’s also possible to have COPD and not experience these symptoms.
Risk Factors
While the causes of COPD are not completely understood, the major risk factor for COPD is smoking. Other factors include:
- Exposure to certain gases or fumes in the workplace.
- Exposure to secondhand smoke.
- Exposure to pollution and dust.
- A family history of COPD.
- Gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), a severe form of acid reflux, can damage the esophagus and can cause or worsen COPD.
- A rare genetic condition called alpha-l antitrypsin deficiency can contribute to lung damage that can lead to COPD.