Understanding Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

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What is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name for a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties. COPD is a common condition that mainly affects middle-aged or older adults who smoke. Many people do not realise they have it.

Is COPD a serious disease?

By 2030, COPD is projected to become the third leading cause of death worldwide. COPD leads to a persistent decrease in the rate of airflow from the lungs when the person breathes out (exhales), which is called chronic airflow obstruction. COPD includes the diagnoses of chronic obstructive bronchitis and emphysema. Many people have both disorders.

How many people have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

In the United States, about 16 million people have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is a common cause of death, accounting for more than 150,000 each year. Worldwide, the number of people with COPD is increasing.

Can COPD cause emphysema & bronchitis?

Some people with COPD have mild lung damage and few symptoms. Others have very damaged lungs and can be especially limited by breathlessness – these people would be considered to have a severe case of COPD. Along with emphysema, chronic bronchitis is one of the main conditions of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

How common is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death worldwide, causing 3.23 million deaths in 2019. Nearly 90% of COPD deaths in those under 70 years of age occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). COPD is the seventh leading cause of poor health worldwide (measured by disability-adjusted life years)

What are the treatment options for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Inhalers are commonly used to ease symptoms. Other treatments such as steroids, antibiotics, oxygen, and mucus-thinning (mucolytic) medicines are sometimes prescribed in more severe cases, or during a flare-up (exacerbation) of symptoms. What is COPD? Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common and preventable condition.

What Is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

1. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd/
2. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-(copd)
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/symptoms-causes/syc-20353679
4. https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditions/copd-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease/what-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease
5. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease/
6. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/lungs-and-airways/copd/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease
7. https://www.cdc.gov/copd/index.html
8. https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-gb/home/lung-and-airway-disorders/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Information

1. https://patient.info/chest-lungs/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-leaflet