Monday, December 9, 2013

Health-COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

What Is COPD?



To understand COPD, it helps to understand how the lungs work. The air that you breathe goes down your windpipe into tubes in your lungs called bronchial (BRONG-ke-al) tubes or airways.
Within the lungs, your bronchial tubes branch into thousands of smaller, thinner tubes called bronchioles (BRONG-ke-ols). These tubes end in bunches of tiny round air sacs called alveoli (al-VEE-uhl-eye).
Small blood vessels called capillaries (KAP-ih-lare-ees) run through the walls of the air sacs. When air reaches the air sacs, oxygen passes through the air sac walls into the blood in the capillaries. At the same time, carbon dioxide (a waste gas) moves from the capillaries into the air sacs. This process is called gas exchange.
  • The airways and air sacs lose their elastic quality.
  • The walls between many of the air sacs are destroyed.
  • The walls of the airways become thick and inflamed.

Normal Lungs and Lungs With COPD

Figure A shows the location of the lungs and airways in the body. The inset image shows a detailed cross-section of the bronchioles and alveoli. Figure B shows lungs damaged by COPD. The inset image shows a detailed cross-section of the damaged bronchioles and alveolar walls.

In the United States, the term "COPD" includes two main conditions—emphysemaexternal link icon (em-fih-SE-ma) and chronic bronchitis (bron-KI-tis). (Note: The Health Topics article about bronchitis discusses both acute and chronic bronchitis.)
Most people who have COPD have both emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Thus, the general term "COPD" is more accurate.


COPD is a major cause of disability, and it's the third leading cause of death in the United States. Currently, millions of people are diagnosed with COPD. Many more people may have the disease and not even know it.
Most of the time, COPD is diagnosed in middle-aged or older adults. The disease isn't passed from person to person—you can't catch it from someone else.

Other Names for COPD

COPD Treatment

When treating COPD, the goals of the treatment program are focused on relieving symptoms, improving exercise tolerance, and improving your overall health. Although COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) cannot be cured, seeking proper treatment as soon as possible can help slow down the progression of the disease. Common treatment options include bronchodilators, pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy, and surgery.

Treatments for COPD: An Introduction

Quitting smoking is the single most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of developing COPD (chronic pulmonary obstructive disease) and to slow down the progress of the disease.
Your doctor will recommend treatment that helps relieve your symptoms and helps you breathe easier. However, COPD cannot be cured.
The goals of treating COPD are to:
  • Relieve your symptoms with no or minimal side effects
  • Slow down the progress of the disease
  • Improve your exercise tolerance (your ability to stay active)
  • Prevent and treat complications and sudden onset of problems
  • Improve your overall health.
Treatment is different for each person. It is based on whether your symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe. Your family doctor may also recommend that you see a lung specialist called a pulmonologist.
Treatment for COPD may involve one (or a combination) of these methods:
  • Medications
  • Pulmonary rehabilitation
  • Oxygen
  • Surgery.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) - Overview

What is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

COPD is often a mix of two diseases:
  • Chronic bronchitis camera (say "bron-KY-tus"). In chronic bronchitis, the airways that carry air to the lungs (bronchial tubes camera) get inflamed and make a lot of mucus. This can narrow or block the airways, making it hard for you to breathe.

What causes COPD?


What are the symptoms?

The main symptoms are:
  • A long-lasting (chronic) cough.
  • Mucus that comes up when you cough.
  • Shortness of breath that gets worse when you exercise.

How is COPD diagnosed?

To find out if you have COPD, a doctor will:
  • Do a physical exam and listen to your lungs.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) - Overview


How is it treated?

  • Use an air conditioner or air filter in your home.
  • Take rest breaks during the day.
  • Get regular exercise to stay as strong as you can.