Overview
COPD is long-term lung damage that makes the airways narrow permanently, causing breathlessness and a chronic cough. Smoking is by far the biggest cause, with long-term exposure to air pollution, workplace dusts or biomass cooking smoke also contributing. Damage cannot be reversed, but treatment slows it down.
Symptoms
- Breathlessness, worse with activity
- Chronic cough with phlegm, especially mornings
- Wheezing
- Frequent chest infections
- Tiredness
- Weight loss in advanced disease
Causes & risk factors
- Long-term tobacco smoking
- Years of exposure to air pollution or biomass cooking smoke
- Occupational dust and fumes
- Long-standing, poorly controlled asthma
Treatment & self-care
The single most important step is stopping smoking and reducing smoke and dust exposure. Doctors prescribe inhalers to open the airways, treat flare-ups promptly and may add pulmonary rehabilitation exercises. Vaccinations against flu and pneumonia help prevent dangerous infections.
See a doctor urgently if
- Breathlessness suddenly worse than usual
- Coughing up more phlegm that turns yellow or green
- Swollen ankles or bluish lips
- Confusion or extreme drowsiness during a flare-up