COPD

What is COPD?

COPD stands for "chronic obstructive pulmonary disease". This is a long name for breathing problems that affect your lungs. It's actually a group of lung conditions that make it hard to breathe.

COPD includes two main problems:

• Emphysema - this damages the tiny air sacs in your lungs
• Chronic bronchitis - this means the tubes that carry air to your lungs stay swollen and irritated for a long time

Who gets COPD?

COPD mainly affects adults over 35, especially people who smoke or used to smoke. Many people don't know they have it because the symptoms start slowly and get worse bit by bit over time.

What are the signs of COPD?

The main signs are:

• Feeling out of breath, especially when you're moving around or doing things
• A cough that won't go away, often with thick mucus (phlegm) - some people think this is just a "smoker's cough"
• Getting chest infections often
• A wheezing sound when you breathe

Without treatment, these problems usually get worse over time. Sometimes they can suddenly get much worse - doctors call this a "flare-up".

🚨 When to speak to your GP

You should see your GP if you have breathing problems that don't go away, especially if:

• You're over 35
• You smoke or used to smoke
• You have a cough with phlegm that lasts weeks
• You keep getting chest infections

Don't ignore these symptoms. If it is COPD, starting treatment early can help protect your lungs from getting more damaged.

What causes COPD?

The biggest cause is smoking. The more cigarettes you smoke and the longer you've smoked, the higher your risk. But COPD can sometimes happen to people who have never smoked.

Other causes include:

• Breathing in harmful fumes or dust over many years
• A rare genetic problem that makes your lungs easier to damage

Can COPD be treated?

The lung damage from COPD can't be undone, but treatment can help slow it down and make you feel better. Treatments include:

• Stopping smoking - this is the most important thing if you have COPD and still smoke
• Inhalers and medicines - these help make breathing easier
• Pulmonary rehabilitation - special exercise and education programmes
• Surgery or lung transplant - only for a very small number of people

Living with COPD

COPD affects everyone differently. It can't be cured, but many people can keep it under control with treatment so it doesn't stop them doing their daily activities.

For some people, COPD may keep getting worse even with treatment, which can seriously affect their quality of life.

Can COPD be prevented?

Yes! COPD can mostly be prevented by not smoking. If you already smoke, stopping now can prevent more damage to your lungs.

If you need help to stop smoking, speak to your GP about treatments available, or visit NHS Better Health Quit smoking for free support.

Remember: if you're worried about breathing problems, don't wait - speak to your GP. Early treatment can make a real difference.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.