COPD

What is COPD?

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a slowly progressing lung disease that cannot be cured but can be treated. It causes breathlessness, coughing and restricted airflow due to inflammation in the lungs and narrowing of the airways. It is caused mainly by smoking, but other factors that damage the airways (such as air pollution) can also trigger it.

What causes the disease?

COPD develops mainly from breathing in irritants that damage the lungs, such as tobacco smoke, air pollution and dust or chemicals at work. The most common cause is smoking, which plays a part in 85-90% of cases. Long-term exposure to irritants inflames and narrows the small airways of the lungs and increases mucus production. In addition, the tiny air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) are destroyed, leading to emphysema and reducing the surface available for breathing.

What treatments are available?

The main treatments for COPD are long-acting bronchodilators, which need to be used continuously to keep the condition stable. Treatment may also include other medicines, inhaled therapy and breathing exercises, but the most important steps are stopping smoking and changing lifestyle.