COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary lung disease) is a group of diseases that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Over time, COPD makes it harder to breathe. Although you can’t reverse the lung damage, medication and lifestyle changes can help you manage the symptoms.

Who gets COPD?

The primary cause of COPD is smoking. But not all smokers develop the disease. You may be at higher risk if you:

• Are a woman.
• Are over the age of 65.
• Have been exposed to air pollution.
• Have worked with chemicals, dust or fumes.
• Have alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AAT), a genetic risk factor to develop COPD.
• Had many respiratory infections during childhood.