Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

📖What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, commonly known as COPD, is a progressive lung condition characterised by long-term airflow limitation that makes breathing increasingly difficult over time. It encompasses two overlapping conditions, chronic bronchitis with persistent airway inflammation and excess mucus production, and emphysema, which involves destruction of the delicate air sacs in the lungs where oxygen exchange occurs. Unlike asthma, the airflow obstruction in COPD is largely irreversible and tends to worsen gradually, though symptoms can be significantly reduced with proper management. It is strongly linked to long-term exposure to lung irritants, with tobacco smoking being the leading cause worldwide, though indoor air pollution from biomass fuel is a particularly important cause in India. Early diagnosis through spirometry testing and prompt intervention can meaningfully slow disease progression and improve quality of life.

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