COPD stands for ‘Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease’. It is a progressive disease of the lungs which means the symptoms are likely to get worse over time. If you have been diagnosed with COPD it means that you have damage to the small airways in your lungs. Damage to the airways means they become narrower, making it harder for air to get in and out of the lungs. This damage and narrowing cause the symptoms of COPD which are:
- Increasing shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Increased mucus production by your lungs.
COPD is an umbrella term for a group of disorders that includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and chronic asthma that is not fully reversible. People with COPD can have one or more of these conditions.
At present, there is no cure for COPD as the damage to your lungs cannot be reversed. However, COPD symptoms are treatable. COPD is a progressive disease, which means the symptoms are likely to get worse over time. You can take steps now to control the symptoms and slow down damage to your lungs so that you can continue to enjoy your life. If you are a smoker, stopping smoking is the most important thing you can do for your health.