Learn about COPD

What is COPD?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-term, irreversible lung condition which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

COPD symptoms often don’t appear until a lot of lung damage has occurred. Symptoms usually worsen over time, especially if smoking or other irritating exposure continues. 

People who have COPD may also have Asthma and vice versa.

Here is a breakdown of the term COPD
  • Chronic  = long term and slow progression and irreversible 
  • Obstructive  = narrowing of the airways 
  • Pulmonary  = relating to, or affecting the lungs 
  • Disease  = any deviation from or interruption of the normal structure and function of any body part, organ, or system 
What is Chronic Bronchitis?
The presence of a long-term productive cough for three months during two consecutive years .
What is Emphysema?

Abnormal, permanent enlargement of the air spaces at the bases of our lungs, accompanied by destruction of the air sac walls.

What increases risk for COPD?
COPD develops gradually over time and can result from a combination of risk factors.

  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Aged 45yrs+ 
  • Long term cough 
  • Sputum production
  • Recurrent lower respiratory tract infection 
  • Risk factors with the most being cigarette smoking 

What causes COPD?

COPD can result from both genetics and the environment which damages the lungs over a person’s lifetime and the results of this is irreversible lung damage. 
Environmental causes
  • Tobacco Smoking: The primary risk factor for COPD, with 3 out of 4 people with COPD having smoked or smoking. Around 20–25% of smokers will develop COPD.  
  • Secondhand smoke: Long-term exposure to second-hand smoke can contribute to COPD.  
  • Air pollution: Particulate matter in air pollution can irritate and damage the lungs.  
  • Other lung irritants: Long-term exposure to dust, chemical fumes, or smoke from cooking and heating fuels without ventilation.  
Genetic causes:
  • Genetic disorders: A rare genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can cause COPD at a young age.  
  • Early life events: Poor growth in utero, prematurity, and frequent or severe respiratory infections in childhood can increase the risk of COPD.  
  • Family history: People with a family history of Emphysema should be tested for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. 
  • Asthma: A history of poorly controlled asthma can increase the risk of COPD. 

COPD develops gradually over time and can result from a combination of risk factors.  

What are the symptoms?

COPD causes symptoms including:

  • Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
  • Wheezing or whistling sounds, particularly when exhaling
  • Ongoing cough which may produce mucous
  • Chest tightness of heaviness
  • Lack of energy or fatigue
  • Frequent lung infections
  • Losing weight without meaning to

People with COPD are likely to have times when their symptoms become worse than the usual day-to-day variation. This time of worsening symptoms is called an exacerbation (eg-zas-er-bay-shun). Exacerbations can last for several days to weeks. They can be caused by triggers such as smells, cold air, air pollution, colds or infections. Symptoms may include: 

  • Working harder than usual to breathe or having trouble breathing
  • Chest tightness
  • Coughing more often
  • More mucus or changes in mucus color or thickness
  • Fever

Is there a cure for COPD?

Unfortunately no, but it can be managed. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the quality of life for people with COPD. 

To diagnose COPD, your doctor will: 

  • Take a medical history
  • Perform a physical exam, including listening to your chest with a stethoscope  
  • Order lung function tests, like spirometry 
  • Order blood tests 
  • Order imaging tests, like an X-ray or CT scan  

If you have a confirmed diagnosis of COPD and would like education and support to help better manage your condition, please click here to find out more and book in to see one of our Nurse Educators. We are proud to offer free nurse appointments, made possible by the generous support of our funders, donors and partners.