What Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is, what causes it, and how it's diagnosed and managed.
Welcome to COPD
COPD is a chronic respiratory condition that affects the lungs and makes it difficult to breathe properly. It's typically an umbrella term covering two main, often overlapping, conditions:
COPD is a progressive disease – it tends to worsen over time and currently has no cure. However, with early diagnosis and appropriate medical management, its progression can often be slowed and symptoms managed to improve quality of life.
Causes & risk factors
Cigarette smoking is the most common cause of COPD, though long-term exposure to other lung irritants can also contribute to the disease developing.
Signs to look out for
Symptoms often develop gradually and can be mistaken for normal signs of ageing, which is why COPD frequently goes undiagnosed in its early stages.
Diagnosis
If you or someone you know is experiencing ongoing breathlessness, cough or wheezing, it's important to see a GP or respiratory specialist for proper evaluation. Diagnosis is usually confirmed with:
Management
There's no cure for COPD, but treatment can slow its progression and significantly improve day-to-day symptoms. Management typically involves:
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