What is COPD?
COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary (lung) disease.
COPD is a term applied to a family of diseases that includes emphysema, chronic
bronchitis, and emphysema due to alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. COPD usually
progresses gradually, causing limited airflow in and out of the lungs.
COPD adds to the work of the heart. Diseased lungs might reduce
the amount of oxygen that goes to the blood. High blood pressure in blood
vessels from the heart to the lungs makes it difficult for the heart to pump.
Lung disease can also cause the body to produce too many red blood cells, which
might make the blood thicker and harder to pump.
Patients who have COPD with low oxygen levels might develop an
enlarged heart (cor pulmonale). This condition weakens the heart and causes
increased shortness of breath, and swelling in the legs and feet.
The good news is that COPD is treatable, and the information in
this manual can help you manage your COPD and flare-ups, and help you to modify
your risk factors.
Chronic bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is irritation and inflammation (swelling) of
the lining in the bronchial tubes (air passages). The irritation causes coughing
and an excess amount of mucus in the airways. The swelling makes it difficult to
get air in and out of the lungs. The small, hair-like structures on the inside
of the airways (called cilia) might be damaged by the irritation. The cilia are
then unable to help clean mucus from the airways.
Bronchitis is generally considered chronic when you have: a
productive cough (cough up mucus) and shortness of breath that lasts about three
months or more each year for two or more years in a row. Your doctor might
define chronic bronchitis differently.
Emphysema
Emphysema is the destruction, or breakdown, of the walls of the
alveoli (air sacs) located at the end of the bronchial tubes. The damaged
alveoli are not able to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and
the blood. The bronchioles lose their elasticity and collapse when you exhale,
trapping air in the lungs. The trapped air keeps fresh air and oxygen from
entering the lungs.
Who is affected by COPD?
Emphysema and chronic bronchitis affect approximately 16 million people in the United States,
or close to 11 percent of the population.
Symptoms of COPD
- Shortness of breath
- Shortness of breath with mild exercise (walking, using the stairs, etc.)
- Chronic, productive cough (with mucus)
- A feeling of "tightness" in the chest
- Wheezing