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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 D = Disease
COPD makes breathing increasingly difficult over time and many people do not have noticeable symptoms until their late 40s. The symptoms that often characterise COPD are:
You may also have other symptoms such as repeated chest infections, weight loss and tiredness or fatigue.
The main cause of COPD is smoking. In the UK, around 8 out of 10 people with COPD are either current smokers or have previously smoked. But smoking is not the only cause of COPD. The condition can also develop due to poor air quality, work-related exposure to dust, chemicals or fumes, or genetic factors.
Video: Derek has been living with COPD for over a decade after many years working in damp warehouses.
There are a number of forms of COPD diagnosis as it tends to “creep up” with worsening symptoms over time. Your doctor will likely ask you a series of questions about your family background, your general health and if you’re a smoker. They’ll then examine you by listening to your chest, looking at other parts of your body such as fingers and ankles to rule out any other possible conditions that could be causing your symptoms. Then, they may assess the severity of your breathlessness to get an idea of how much COPD is impacting your day-to-day life. Once COPD is diagnosed, the severity is defined under Mild, Moderate, Severe or Very Severe. Your BMI may also be calculated to see if being underweight or overweight is potentially worsening your symptoms. Then you may be offered one of the following tests to understand which treatment will be most effective for you and your condition:
If you’re a smoker, the first step in treatment is to stop smoking. This will slow down or prevent further damage to your lungs. If you’re in the early stages of COPD, this may be the only treatment that you need to undertake. COPD cannot be cured but medical treatment can improve your symptoms and prevent a further flareup of symptoms. There are several treatment options for COPD and the one that you’re prescribed will depend on your symptoms and the severity of your COPD. The process of finding the right treatment for you can require a little of trial and error meaning that your treatment will be reviewed regularly and you may have to try several until you find the one that fits you best. COPD medicines are often inhaled, through an inhaler or nebuliser, allowing the medicine to go directly to the lungs, getting the greatest effect with the least side effects. Other medicines include mucolytic medicines which make phlegm less thick, steroid tablets are prescribed for flareups and if you have an flareup that is thought to be the result of an infection, you may be prescribed antibiotics. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a structured programme of physical activity and education specifically designed for people with long-term chest conditions like COPD. Pulmonary rehabilitation is one of the most effective treatments for people with COPD. It can lead to significant improvements in your quality of life and ability to exercise. It can also help to improve symptoms such as breathlessness.
“It’s a rehab group but actually, it feels like family” – Jock, 69, takes part in a Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland support group which has helped him manage his COPD.
The 69-year-old retired joiner lives in Eyemouth where he helps run the peer support group. The participants enjoy a weekly swim and, just as importantly, join each other afterwards for tea and a chat.
It’s this combination of physical and emotional care that Jock says has become crucial for him and his fellow group members in managing their condition.
Read full story
A COPD diagnosis can be lifechanging but there are ways that you can help yourself following diagnosis. If you’re a smoker, the first thing to do is stop smoking. There are many ways to help quit smoking available to you and your loved ones. Make sure that you drink plenty of fluids, stay as active as you can and eat healthily. If you suffer repeated flareups, your care team will help you to create a self-management plan that should reduce the instances of flareups and help you live a comfortable, active life. Visit our Living with a Chest Condition section for more information about how to manage your condition at home, how to stay well and reduce your risk of developing further chest conditions.
Feeling worried about how to manage your condition or concerned about the wellbeing of a loved one?
Our Advice Line nurses are here to answer any questions or concerns you may have about COPD. Call 0808 801 0899 for free, confidential advice and support.
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COPD
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Read our Essential Guides for more information.
Resources
Download our booklet Living with COPD to find out more about the topics discussed on this page.
View this page
Download Your Chest Toolkit for advice and information about living with a chest condition.
Visit our Services page to find out more about the support that’s available after a COPD diagnosis.