What is COPD? Understanding the Basics
COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It is a long-term lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. COPD happens when the lungs are damaged and the airways become blocked or swollen. It can get worse over time, but with care and treatment, people with COPD can still live full lives.
What Happens to the Lungs When You Have COPD?
When you have COPD:
- Your lungs lose their stretchiness.
- The air sacs (tiny balloon-like parts in your lungs) may break down.
- The walls between air sacs can be destroyed.
- Thick mucus builds up, making it hard to breathe.
These changes block air from moving in and out of your lungs like it should.
Symptoms of COPD
Common signs of COPD include:
- Trouble breathing, especially during activity
- A daily cough that won’t go away
- Mucus rising into your throat
- Wheezing or noisy breathing
- Chest tightness
- Lung infections
- Feeling tired or losing weight
- Swelling in your feet or legs
If these symptoms sound familiar, talk to your doctor.
What Causes COPD?
The number one cause of COPD is smoking. When you smoke, harmful chemicals go into your lungs and damage them. Even breathing in others’ smoke (secondhand smoke) can cause problems.
Other causes include:
- Breathing in dust or chemical fumes over time
- Air pollution
- Genetics (it can run in families)
Types of COPD
There are two main types of COPD:
- Emphysema
This happens when the walls between the air sacs in your lungs get damaged. It makes it hard for fresh oxygen to enter your blood. You may often feel short of breath. - Chronic Bronchitis
This causes the airways to become swollen and full of thick mucus. You may have a cough that won’t go away and often brings up mucus.Many people with COPD have both emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
When to See a Doctor
You should see your doctor if:
- Your breathing problems get worse
- You get a fever, or your mucus changes color or amount
- Your medicine doesn’t help like it used to
Don’t wait—early care makes a big difference.
Frequently Asked Questions: COPD
COPD is a long-term lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. It includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Smoking is the most common cause. Breathing in dust or chemicals for many years can also lead to COPD.
There is no cure, but treatments like medicine, oxygen, and healthy habits can help you feel better.
Talk to your doctor, especially if you smoke or work around dust or fumes.
Yes! Quitting smoking is the best way to slow down COPD and protect your lungs.
Sources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/symptoms-causes/syc-20353679
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/emphysema/symptoms-causes/syc-20355555
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8709-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd
https://www.cdc.gov/copd/about/index.html
