COPD

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.

How many smokers develop COPD?
About 15% of smokers go on to develop COPD.

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.

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.

What is chronic bronchitis?
Chronic bronchitis refers to the malfunctioning of the bronchial tubes, causing the patient to have excessive mucus in the lung and the only way to get rid of it is to cough.

What is emphysema?
Emphysema refers to the destruction of the lung alveoli by smoking.

How is COPD diagnosed?
The diagnosis of COPD is usually confirmed by a lung function measurement.

If I have COPD, why should I stop smoking?
COPD will progress more rapidly unless you do stop smoking. Quitting will increase your lung function and could prevent your having to use supplemental oxygen within months.

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.

What does COPD stand for?
It stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

COPD, what is it?
COPD is a collective name for a spectrum of diseases, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Who can 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.