Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Learn about the pulmonary condition of COPD including its common causes, symptoms, and treatments.
What is COPD?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive, inflammatory lung disease.
People with COPD experience obstructed airflow from the lungs, making it hard to breathe. Two common conditions contribute to the development of COPD: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD is typically caused by long term exposure to cigarette smoke or other fumes. Individuals with COPD are at greater risk of developing lung cancer and heart disease.
Symptoms of COPD
Symptoms of COPD may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Chronic productive cough
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Low energy
- Weight loss
- Swelling in ankles, legs, or feet
Possible Causes of COPD
Some possible causes of COPD may be:
- Smoking
- Exposure to fumes, irritating gases, or particulate matter
- Emphysema
- Chronic Bronchitis
- Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (a genetic condition)
Risk Factors of COPD
Risk factors of COPD may include:
- Long-term exposure to smoking
- Having asthma
- Exposure to fumes and chemicals in the workplace
- Exposure to fumes from burning fuel
- Genetics
Complications from COPD
Complications from COPD may include:
- Respiratory infections
- Heart problems
- Lung cancer
- High blood pressure in lung arteries (pulmonary hypertension)
- Depression – not being able to enjoy activities you enjoy can lead to depression
How to Prevent COPD
Some ways to prevent emphysema may include:
- Stop smoking.
- Use respiratory protective equipment if you are exposed to hazardous fumes at your workplace.
- Get your annual flu vaccine and stay up to date on pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine to reduce your risk of complications.
Learn about the Smoking Cessation program at Oneida Health.