Dr. Rajendra Nanavare

COPD is a common, preventable, and treatable chronic lung disease which affects men and women worldwide.

Abnormalities in the small airways of the lungs lead to limitation of airflow in and out of the lungs. A number of processes cause the airways to become narrow. There may be destruction of parts of the lung, mucus blocking the airways, and inflammation and swelling of the airway lining.

COPD is sometimes called “emphysema” or “chronic bronchitis”. Emphysema usually refers to destruction of the tiny air sacs at the end of the airways in the lungs. Chronic bronchitis refers to a chronic cough with the production of phlegm resulting from inflammation in the airways.

COPD and asthma share common symptoms (cough, wheeze, and difficulty breathing) and people may have both conditions.

Causes of COPD

COPD develops gradually over time, often resulting from a combination of risk factors:

tobacco exposure from active smoking or passive exposure to second-hand smoke
occupational exposure to dusts, fumes or chemicals
indoor air pollution: biomass fuel (wood, animal dung, crop residue) or coal is frequently used for cooking and heating in low- and middle-income countries with high levels of smoke exposure
early life events such as poor growth in utero, prematurity, and frequent or severe respiratory infections in childhood that prevent maximum lung growth
asthma in childhood
a rare genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, which can cause COPD at a young age.

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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

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Causes of COPD