The most common cause is smoking, which damages the lungs over many years. Long-term exposure to fumes, dust or air pollution can also contribute, and rarely it is linked to a genetic condition.

There is no cure and existing lung damage cannot be reversed, but treatment can slow the condition down, ease symptoms and reduce flare-ups. Stopping smoking is the single most effective step.

What are the symptoms of COPD?

The main symptoms are increasing breathlessness (especially when active), a persistent chesty cough with mucus, frequent chest infections and wheezing. Symptoms tend to develop gradually over years.

Treatment usually includes stopping smoking, inhalers to ease breathing, sometimes other medicines, and support such as pulmonary rehabilitation. Vaccinations against flu and pneumonia are also recommended to reduce infections.

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

Quick answer

What is copd (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)?

COPD is a group of long-term lung conditions that make breathing difficult, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It causes breathlessness, a persistent cough and frequent chest infections. It is usually linked to smoking. There is no cure, but treatment and stopping smoking can slow it down and ease symptoms.

What is COPD?

COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease — a group of long-term conditions that damage the lungs and make breathing increasingly difficult. It includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD usually develops slowly over years and is most common in people over 35 who smoke or used to smoke.

Symptoms

Symptoms tend to come on gradually and may include:

increasing breathlessness, especially when active
a persistent chesty cough that brings up mucus
frequent chest infections
wheezing

Many people put early symptoms down to ageing or being unfit, which is why COPD is often diagnosed later than it could be.

What causes it

Smoking is by far the most common cause, as it damages the airways and air sacs over time. Long-term exposure to dust, fumes and air pollution can also play a part, and a small number of cases are linked to an inherited condition.

How it is managed

COPD cannot be cured and existing damage cannot be undone, but a lot can be done to slow it down and improve quality of life:

Stopping smoking is the single most important step and helps at any stage.
Inhalers and sometimes other medicines help open the airways and ease breathing.
Pulmonary rehabilitation — a programme of exercise and education — can improve fitness and confidence.
Vaccinations against flu and pneumonia help prevent infections that can trigger flare-ups.

Living with COPD

With the right treatment and support, many people with COPD stay active and manage their symptoms well. Regular reviews with a GP or nurse help keep the condition under control and catch flare-ups early.

Common questions

What causes COPD?: The most common cause is smoking, which damages the lungs over many years. Long-term exposure to fumes, dust or air pollution can also contribute, and rarely it is linked to a genetic condition.
Can COPD be cured?: There is no cure and existing lung damage cannot be reversed, but treatment can slow the condition down, ease symptoms and reduce flare-ups. Stopping smoking is the single most effective step.
What are the symptoms of COPD?: The main symptoms are increasing breathlessness (especially when active), a persistent chesty cough with mucus, frequent chest infections and wheezing. Symptoms tend to develop gradually over years.
How is COPD treated?: Treatment usually includes stopping smoking, inhalers to ease breathing, sometimes other medicines, and support such as pulmonary rehabilitation. Vaccinations against flu and pneumonia are also recommended to reduce infections.

Sources

NHS — Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)