How Are Asthma, Bronchitis & Emphysema Related to COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease that makes breathing difficult. COPD is the fourth leading cause of preventable death in the United States and one of the leading causes of death worldwide.

Emphysema, Bronchitis and Asthma

• Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two main forms of COPD. People with asthma have a higher risk of developing COPD, but asthma is not otherwise related to COPD.

Symptoms

• COPD symptoms are those of emphysema and chronic bronchitis. They include shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, frequent respiratory infections and a chronic cough that produces mucus.

Causes

• The most common cause of COPD is smoking. Other causes are exposure to secondhand smoke, gases and fumes.

Risk Factors

• You may be at risk if you are older than 40 years of age and are frequently exposed to tobacco smoke, chemical fumes and air pollution.

Treatments

• COPD is not curable, but it's possible to control the symptoms with medications such as antibiotics, steroids and bronchodilators. Surgery may be required in order to remove damaged lung tissue or perform a lung transplant. In some cases, your doctor may recommend oxygen therapy to help deliver oxygen to your blood.