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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a group of respiratory disorders that damage the lungs and make breathing increasingly more difficult over time. The two most common forms of COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema, both characterized as long-term illnesses that obstruct or limit airflow in the lungs.
Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi, the main air passages in the lungs, which persists for long periods of time or repeatedly reoccurs. When the airways become irritated, thick mucus forms and plugs the airways, making it hard to get air into the lungs.
Emphysema
Emphysema is caused when tiny air sacs in the lungs, called alveoli, are destroyed. When the lungs are unable to fully contract, they gradually lose elasticity. Eventually the walls stretch and break, creating less efficient air sacs to handle the normal exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, which makes breathing difficult.
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People with COPD usually have signs and symptoms of both chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which include:
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Continuous Cough |
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Wheezing |
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Sputum (mucus)
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Chest tightness |
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Shortness of breath, especially with exercise |
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Frequent respiratory infections |
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Rapid breathing |
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Bluish tint to the skin from lack of oxygen |
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Barrel-like distended chest |
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Constant fatigue |
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Difficulty sleeping |
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Weight loss |
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Other common signs of COPD are a chronic cough, as well as coughing up significant amounts of mucus. These signs usually occurs years before the person begins to have difficulty breathing. However, symptoms may vary and some people with a cough never develop COPD, while others with COPD never experience a cough. Of course, the severity of the symptoms depends on how much of the lung has been destroyed and whether the person continues to smoke, further damaging the lungs. |
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The leading cause of CORP is smoking, and between 15% and 20% of all long-term smokers will develop the disease. For people susceptible to COPD, smoking causes chronic inflammation of the bronchi and eventual airway obstruction.
Other factors for developing COPD are exposure to secondhand smoke and working or living in a polluted environment. Some occupational pollutants such as cadmium and silica increase the risk of COPD, including jobs such as coal miners, construction workers, metal workers, cotton workers, etc. However, smoking cigarettes is far more detrimental to the lungs than occupational exposure.
Another well-established cause of COPD is a deficiency of alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT). AAT deficiency is a rare genetic disorder, which accounts for less than 1% of the COPD in the U.S.
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The most critical factor for maintaining healthy lungs is to quit smoking. Although quitting smoking can reverse some of the damage in early stages of COPD, it can also slow down the rate of lung deterioration in later stages.
While no treatment can fully reverse or stop COPD, steps can be taken to relieve symptoms and treat complications. COPD has a wide variety of treatment options, ranging from inhalers and various types of steroids that dilate airways or suppress lung inflammation, to supplemental oxygen and in rare cases, lung or heart transplants.
If you’ve been experiencing shortness of breath, a chronic cough or a significant decrease in your usual ability to exercise, it’s time to get the help you need. Fill out the Evaluation Assessment below to determine the severity of your symptoms, the treatment options available to you and as a way of talking to your doctor about your condition.
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