Does COPD have clear symptoms?
In the early stages, often not. Many people think they are merely unfit, or have a bad cough. Coughing and being out of breath could be early symptoms of COPD. |
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How is COPD diagnosed?
The diagnosis of COPD is usually confirmed by a lung function measurement. It is when lung function deteriorates to less than 50% of its predicted value that patients usually consult their doctors. |
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How many smokers develop COPD?
About 15% of smokers go on to develop COPD. |
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If I have COPD, why should I stop smoking?
Quite simply, COPD will progress all the more rapidly unless you do stop smoking. Quitting will increase your lung function and could prevent your having to use supplemental oxygen within months. |
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Is COPD irreversible?
Some of the damage may be irreversible. But quitting smoking and getting treatment can greatly improve someone's quality of life and symptoms. |
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Apart from smoking, what are the other risk factors for COPD?
Other risk factors include air pollution, genetic causes and childhood infections. But these risk factors are low in comparison to smoking. |
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So where does asthma fit into all of this?
Asthma refers to wheezing and a chronic inflammation in the lungs that is not directly related to smoking. |
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What does COPD stand for?
It stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. |
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What is chronic bronchitis?
Chronic bronchitis refers to the malfunctioning of the bronchial tubes. It causes the patient to have excessive amounts of mucus in the lung and the only way to get rid of it is to cough. |
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COPD, what is it?
COPD is a collective name for a spectrum of diseases, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. |
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What is emphysema?
Emphysema refers to the destruction of the lung alveoli by smoking. |
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Who wil get COPD?
COPD is the fourth most common cause of death worldwide. It primarily affects smokers, most of whom are over 45 years of age. But younger people and non-smokers exposed to secondary smoke can also get the disease. |
