COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) causes ongoing airflow limitation, most often from emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or both.
About copd
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) causes ongoing airflow limitation, most often from emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or both.
What can cause it?
COPD is persistent airflow limitation from emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or both, most often due to tobacco smoke.
Workplace dusts, fumes, air pollution, and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency are other contributors.
What a patient may notice
Symptoms vary from person to person. Possible signs may include:
- Long-term cough with or without mucus
- Shortness of breath, especially with activity
- Wheezing, chest tightness, or frequent respiratory infections
How clinicians find the cause
Spirometry after a bronchodilator confirms airflow obstruction. Oxygen level, imaging, blood tests, and alpha-1 testing may be used based on history and severity.
Treatment and next steps
- 1
Treatment may include long-acting inhalers, rescue bronchodilator, pulmonary rehabilitation, vaccination, oxygen for qualifying patients, and flare plans.
- 2
Stopping smoking is the most effective way to slow tobacco-related disease.
- 3
Antibiotics or steroids are used only for selected exacerbations.
Supporting recovery
- Use inhalers with correct technique and follow the written action plan.
- Pace activity, maintain nutrition, and avoid smoke and fumes.
What to expect
COPD is a long-term condition and existing lung damage is usually not reversible, but treatment can improve breathing, activity, and quality of life. Stopping smoking and avoiding inhaled exposures can slow further damage. A written action plan and early treatment of flare-ups help reduce hospital visits.
Possible complications
- COPD flare-ups that may require steroids, antibiotics, oxygen, or hospital care
- Pneumonia, low blood oxygen, high carbon dioxide, or respiratory failure
- Pulmonary hypertension, strain on the right side of the heart, weight loss, anxiety, or reduced activity
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Arrange an evaluation when symptoms are new, worsening, interfering with normal activities, or not improving as expected.
Call 911 for severe breathlessness, inability to speak, blue or gray lips, confusion, fainting, chest pressure, or symptoms not improving with the prescribed action plan.Get emergency help for severe trouble breathing, new chest pressure, fainting, seizure, sudden weakness on one side, uncontrolled bleeding, blue or gray lips, or a person who is difficult to wake.
Ways to lower risk
- Do not smoke, use protective equipment at work, and keep influenza, COVID-19, and pneumococcal vaccination current as recommended.
- Attend pulmonary rehabilitation when offered.
Trusted health information
This CHS patient-education page uses original wording and links to MedlinePlus for additional information.