Download this video (.mp4) [69Mb, ZIP]

What is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term for a group of lung conditions that cause long-term damage to the airways. In COPD the airways are narrowed, due to a variety of causes, so the air you breathe cannot flow freely in or out of the lungs.

Chronic = long term Obstructive = describes the narrowing of the airways Pulmonary = of the lungs Disease = illness

Symptoms of COPD

The main symptoms of COPD are:

• Coughing
• Regular production of sputum (phlegm)
• Breathlessness
• Wheezing

You may also have other symptoms such as repeated chest infections, weight loss and tiredness (fatigue).

Causes of COPD

The main cause of COPD is smoking.

• Up to 1 out of every 4 people (25%) who are long-term smokers will develop COPD.
• In the UK, about 8 out of every 10 people with COPD are either current smokers or have previously smoked.

Other factors which may cause COPD include:

• Poor air quality
• Work-related exposure, such as workplace dust, chemicals and fumes
• Genetic factors, such as a deficiency in alpha-1 antitrypsin (alpha-1 antitrypsin is a protein that protects your lungs)