COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is the term used to describe lung and airway diseases that restrict breathing.

In COPD there is irreversible damage to the lungs and airway that makes it hard to breathe. If you have been diagnosed with emphysema or chronic bronchitis, this means you have COPD.

Some of the changes in your lungs and airways due to COPD can include:

Loss of elasticity in the airways and air sacs of your lungs
Inflammation and/or scarring (fibrosis) and narrowing of the airways
Thick mucus in your airways
Damage to the walls between the air sacs in your lungs

What are the types of COPD?

Two types of COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. People with COPD often have features and symptoms of both.

Emphysema

Involves damaged and enlarged alveoli (air sacs). The most common symptom is shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea.

Chronic bronchitis

Is inflammation in the large airways, which narrows them and makes a lot of mucus. The most common symptom is cough.

Understanding COPD

Explore an interactive 3D journey inside the lungs to see how breathing works in real time.

Take a virtual tour to understand how COPD impacts lung function and overall respiratory health.

What are the symptoms of COPD?

Symptoms of COPD can include:

Cough with mucus that won’t go away after three months or longer

Difficulty taking a deep breath

Shortness of breath even with mild exertion or daily activity

Wheezing and other lung sounds

What are COPD flare-ups?

People with COPD often get flare-ups, also known as exacerbations, which are worsening symptoms. These can include severe difficulty breathing, thicker mucus, wheezing, and cough. Severe exacerbations can require hospitalization.

As COPD gets progressively worse over time, flare-ups can become more severe and happen more often. Progression usually occurs over the course of years. However, for some patients COPD can worsen more quickly.

What causes COPD?

The most common cause of COPD is damage to the lungs from smoking. Other causes may include:

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (“alpha-1) which is a genetic disorder that can cause lung damage
Secondhand smoke
Environmental factors such as toxins in the air
Occupational factors such as dust and fumes at your job

How is COPD managed and treated?

There is no cure for COPD. Treatment focuses on improving symptoms and reducing the risk of flare-ups. You will work with your health care team to come up with a treatment plan that best meets your needs.