Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Home A-Z Health Information Health Library A-Z Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Overview COPD is a common lung disease that is associated with restricted airflow and breathing problems. Even though it is a well-known pulmonary disease, it also affects other organ systems leading to unintentional weight loss, skeletal muscle dysfunction, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and depression.COPD has two major phenotypes, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.People with COPD are at a higher risk of developing other health issues, including:lung infections (flu or pneumonia)lung cancerweak muscles and brittle bonesheart problemsdepression and anxiety Causes and Risk Factors COPD is mainly caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter (mix of solid and liquid in air, which includes dust, dirt, soot, and smoke; most often from cigarette smoke). Nowadays, air pollution is also a significant risk factor. Genetic factors, such as a deficiency of a protein called alpha-1 antitrypsin, are responsible for the development of COPD at a young age.COPD-associated changes in lungs and airways include:Loss of elasticity in the airways and air sacs of the lungs (alveoli)Inflammation, scarring and narrowing of the airwaysThick mucus in the airwaysDestruction of the walls between the alveoli, resulting in their enlargement and trapping of air Symptoms Common symptoms include breathing difficulty, cough, mucus (sputum) production, and wheezing. These symptoms often don't appear until significant lung damage has occurred, and they usually worsen over time. Diagnosis COPD is typically diagnosed based on a combination of patient history, physical examinations, and lung function tests like spirometry, which measure the amount of air a person can exhale and the rapidity with which they can do so. CT Chest is also used for diagnosis. Treatment Though COPD is not curable, its progression can be controlled with various treatments. These include lifestyle changes (like quitting smoking), medications (such as bronchodilators and inhaled steroids), pulmonary rehabilitation, vaccinations, and in severe cases, oxygen therapy, BiPAP (Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure), or surgery. Prevention The most effective way to prevent COPD is to never start smoking or to quit smoking if you already do. Avoiding exposure to other lung irritants can also help reduce the risk of developing COPD.