Health Topics for Respiratory Problems

Department of Respiratory Care

Lung Cancer Program

Interstitial Lung Disease -- Department of Internal Medicine

Allergies

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease "COPD"

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a term used to describe a permanent obstruction of airflow in the lungs causing loss of lung function. Obstruction may occur from chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, or any combination of these disorders. This occurs from damage to the air sacs located in the lungs. Normally these air sacs expand when breathing in and deflate when breathing air out. In COPD, the air sacs no longer function normally, interrupting airflow and making breathing difficult.

Symptoms of COPD may not be present in the early stages of the disease. As the disease progresses the following symptoms may occur:

• a frequent chronic cough producing phlegm
• thick phlegm that is difficult to cough up
• shortness of breath
• wheezing
• weight loss
• recurrent lung infections or
• progressive worsening of breathing

The causes of COPD include the following:

• smoking (which is the leading cause)
• air pollution
• on-the-job exposure to irritants and
• frequent lung infections

Once the disease is present, lung functioning continues to decline gradually. Therefore, treatment is aimed at reducing symptoms, preventing infections, and making it easier to breathe.

If you smoke, remember that quitting smoking is the most important step towards helping you breathe easier. Ask your healthcare provider to help you quit the use of tobacco. A referral to a smoking cessation program may be needed.

Notify your provider if any of the following occur:

• chest pain
• fever
• phlegm thickens or changes in color
• blood in the phlegm or
• shortness of breath begins to occur at rest

Medications and oxygen therapy may be used to relieve symptoms and improve breathing. Breathing exercises can be learned to help strengthen the muscles used in breathing. Maintaining a regular exercise program, such as walking, may also help improve lung functioning.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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