What Is a COPD Breathing Disorder?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, refers to a group of diseases that cause breathing problems. COPD is a primary cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

COPD

• With COPD, damaged airways can block the flow of air in the lungs. There may be severe breathing problems. Diseases in the COPD category include emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthma.

Symptoms

• Emphysema symptoms include shortness of breath and wheezing. Chronic bronchitis symptoms include shortness of breath, recurrent respiratory infections, and chronic cough or throat clearing-especially in the morning.

Causes

• COPD is generally caused by long-term cigarette smoking. Irritants such as smoke or pollutants enter the airways to the lungs and cause damage to the bronchial tubes and air sacs. Occasionally a rare genetic disorder can cause COPD.

Treatment

• If a respiratory infection occurs antibiotics may be given. Medications such as inhaled steroids or bronchodilators that reduce airway inflammation or relax airway muscles also are used. Avoidance of smoking and pollutants is key in treating this disease.

Prevention

• The key to preventing COPD is to quit cigarette smoking. Also, repeated daily exposure to pollutants such as second hand smoke, chemical pollutants and dust should be avoided or limited.