COPD is a chronic lung disease where the airways become narrowed over time, making it difficult to breathe. The two main conditions that cause COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Symptoms include a cough that produces mucus, shortness of breath, fatigue, and frequent respiratory infections. The primary risk factor is cigarette smoking, but long-term exposure to lung irritants like air pollution or chemical fumes can also contribute. While there is no cure for COPD, treatments like inhalers, steroids, lung transplants and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Diagnosis involves tests like chest x-rays, spirometry and sputum examination.

1. COPDChronic ObstructivePulmonaryDisease

2. Chronic- lasting medical condition, or one that has developed slowlyObstructive- preventing movementPulmonary- L.W. PULMO= “LUNGS”Disease-abnormal condition

3. COPDChronicObstructivePulmonaryDisease•Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease•Chronic Obstructive Airway Disease•Chronic Airflow Limitation

4. • refers to chronic bronchitis and emphysema, a pair of commonly co-existing diseases of the lungs in which the airways become narrowed. This leads to a limitation of the flow of air to and from the lungs causing shortness of breath•is a progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe. • "Progressive" means the disease gets worse over time.

5. OverviewIn COPD, less air flows in and out of the airways because of one or more of the following:The airways and air sacs lose their elastic quality.

6. The walls between many of the air sacs are destroyed.

7. The walls of the airways become thick and inflamed.

8. The airways make more mucus than usual, which tends to clog them.

10. Normal Lungs and Lungs With COPD

11. Signs and SymptomsCough with mucus

12. Shortness of breath (dyspnea) that gets worse with mild activity

13. Fatigue

14. Frequent respiratory infections

15. Wheezing

16. Since the symptoms of COPD develop slowly, some people may be unaware that they are sick.Causes & Risk FactorsCigarette smoking

17. Respiratory infections