What Is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common preventable and treatable lung disease that causes problems with breathing. Patients with COPD have trouble pushing used air out of their lungs, making it difficult to take in healthy new air. COPD includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both.

Causes

The most common cause of COPD is cigarette smoking¹—a behavior that we can work to prevent and help our patients overcome. Genetic factors or environmental and occupational exposures also may play a role in the development of COPD.

Symptoms

Coughing, with or without sputum, and breathlessness are the first symptoms patients generally notice. Over time, the breathlessness can worsen, sometimes to the point that dressing and bathing become difficult. Increased respiratory effort can cause fatigue with everyday activities.

Screening and Diagnosis

The first step in identifying patients with COPD is a detailed medical and work history, physical examination, and use of a validated COPD screening tool. Primary care clinicians may perform an in-office spirometry test to confirm the diagnosis of COPD.

Executive Summary: Global Strategy for Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of COPD.
Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease Web site.
http://www.goldcopd.com/Guidelineitem.asp?l1=2&l2=1&intId=2180.

Press Releases

Causes

Symptoms

Screening and Diagnosis