COPD

About COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease COPD is a progressive lung disease characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. COPD encompasses emphysema destruction of alveoli and chronic bronchitis inflammation of bronchial tubes. The primary cause is cigarette smoking, responsible for the majority of cases in high income countries. Other risk factors include occupational exposures, indoor air pollution from biomass fuels, and alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency. COPD affects hundreds of millions of people globally and is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Symptoms include chronic cough, progressive dyspnea, sputum production, wheezing, and chest tightness. Diagnosis is made through spirometry showing FEV1 FVC ratio below 0.7. Management includes smoking cessation, bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy for severe cases, and lung volume reduction surgery or transplantation. Acute exacerbations, often triggered by infections, are major causes of hospitalization and mortality.