Learn the causes, symptoms, and treatments
Symptoms
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a type of lung disease. Symptoms can be different in each person, but here are some common ones:
- shortness of breath
- coughing that won’t go away
- wheezing
- tightness in the chest or lungs
- feeling tired after everyday physical activities
Symptoms might become worse over time, but they can improve with treatment.
Causes
The most common cause of COPD is cigarette smoking. About three- fourths of people who have COPD have been smokers, or they still smoke. Researchers are trying to find out why some smokers get COPD, and others do not. Over time, breathing in irritants such as secondhand smoke can cause COPD. Dust and chemical fumes are other irritants that can also cause COPD. For a very small group of people, COPD is a genetic condition that involves lack of a protein that protects the lungs.
Testing
A simple, painless breathing test can tell if you have COPD. It’s called a spirometry test, and it measures two key lung functions: how much air your lungs can hold, and how fast you can blow air out. After a deep breath in, you blow hard into the spirometry device. You might do this several times. People with COPD usually take the test each year to see how well treatment is working.
Treatment
Although lung damage cannot be repaired, treatment can reduce symptoms. It can help prevent flare-ups of coughing and shortness of breath. Your doctor might prescribe medicines, such as bronchodilators. These help relax the airways so breathing is easier. Your doctor might also mention pulmonary rehabilitation, a program of exercise, education, and advice from dietitians.
