For Patients

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

COPD is a non-contagious lung disease characterized by chronically restricted airflow in and out of the lungs that interferes with normal breathing and is not fully reversible. The primary cause of COPD is cigarette smoking. Long-term exposure to chemical irritants can also lead to COPD, as can indoor and outdoor air pollution. COPD is a progressive disease, which means that symptoms worsen over time. The main symptoms include shortness of breath, or a "need to breathe," and coughing with sputum; lung tissue breakdown may also occur. COPD often co-occurs with significant chronic comorbidities (e.g., lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, depression/anxiety disorder) that can significantly affect disease progression.

Due to the progressive nature of COPD, early diagnosis and effective treatment management is essential. COPD patients may also experience periods of acute disease worsening called exacerbations. During these exacerbations, their symptoms become worse than the usual daily fluctuations and last for at least several days. It is important to recognize the warning signs of such an exacerbation (e.g., increased shortness of breath, increased cough with more sputum, or chest tightness) in the early stages. If you experience any of the warning signs, please contact your doctor immediately.

AT-WEB-29-10-2021