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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-term lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. It happens when the airways in the lungs become inflamed and damaged, leading to airflow blockage. Over time, COPD gets worse, but with proper treatment, symptoms can be managed.
The biggest cause of COPD is smoking. Other causes include:
Breathing in second-hand smoke (from other smokers)
Long-term exposure to air pollution, dust, or chemicals at work
A rare genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD)
COPD mainly affects people over 40, especially smokers. It is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, but many people don’t realize they have it until the disease has progressed.
Healthy lungs have flexible airways that let air flow in and out easily. In COPD, the airways become narrow and filled with mucus, making it hard to breathe. The tiny air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs are also damaged, so oxygen doesn’t move into the blood as efficiently.
The most common symptoms are:
Chronic cough (often with mucus)
Shortness of breath (especially during activity)
Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)
Feeling tired or weak
As the disease worsens, people may have trouble performing simple tasks like walking or climbing stairs.
Doctors diagnose COPD using a simple breathing test called spirometry. This test measures how much air you can breathe out and how fast. Other tests, like chest X-rays or blood tests, may also be used.
There is no cure for COPD, but treatment can help improve breathing and quality of life. Common treatments include:
✅ Quit Smoking – The most important step to slow the disease.
✅ Medications – Inhalers (bronchodilators) help open airways, and steroids reduce inflammation.
✅ Pulmonary Rehab – A program with exercise, breathing techniques, and education to help patients stay active.
✅ Oxygen Therapy – Some patients need extra oxygen to help them breathe.
✅ Surgery – In severe cases, procedures like lung volume reduction or a lung transplant may be an option.
COPD is a lifelong condition, but with the right care, people can manage their symptoms and stay active. Regular check-ups, healthy eating, and staying away from smoke and pollution can make a big difference.
Conclusion
COPD is a serious but manageable disease. The earlier it is diagnosed, the better the outcome. If you or someone you know has a chronic cough or trouble breathing, talk to a doctor.