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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is a common lung disease that causes restricted airflow and breathing problems. It is sometimes called emphysema or chronic bronchitis.  People with COPD could have lungs that can get damaged or clogged by phlegm. Symptoms include excessive coughing, sometimes with phlegm, difficulty breathing, wheezing and tiredness.
 

Smoking and air pollution are the most common causes of COPD.  COPD is not curable, but symptoms can improve if you avoid smoking, exposure to air pollution, and get vaccines to prevent infections. It can also be treated with medicines, oxygen, and pulmonary rehabilitation.

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People with COPD also have a higher risk for other health problems. They include:

• lung infections, like the flu or pneumonia

• lung cancer

• heart problems

• weak muscles and brittle bones

• depression and anxiety

COPD is sometimes called emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Emphysema usually refers to destruction of the tiny air sacs at the end of the airways in the lungs. Chronic bronchitis refers to a chronic cough with the production of phlegm resulting from inflammation in the airways. COPD and asthma share common symptoms (coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing).  Several processes can cause the airways to become narrow and lead to COPD. There may be destruction of parts of the lung, mucus blocking the airways, and inflammation and swelling of the airway lining.
 

​To diagnose someone with COPD, it can be done using a breathing test called spirometry, which measures how the lungs are working. 

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There are several treatments available for COPD.

Inhaled medicines that open and reduce swelling in the airways are the main treatments. Bronchodilator inhalers are the most important medicines for treating COPD. They relax the airways to keep them open.

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Other treatments may also be used:

• Steroid pills and antibiotics are often used to treat flare-ups.

• Oxygen is used for people who have had COPD for a long time or have severe COPD.

• Pulmonary rehabilitation teaches exercises to improve your breathing and ability to exercise.

• Surgery may improve symptoms for some people with severe COPD.

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Flare-ups are often caused by a respiratory infection, and people may be given an antibiotic or steroid tablets, in addition to inhaled or nebulized treatment as needed.   It is important to stay physically active and protect yourself from lung infections by getting a flu vaccine every year, the pneumonia vaccine, COVID-19 vaccines, and the latest boosters.

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By Dietra Myers

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