What is copd

Select your location to view local American Lung Association events and news near you. Our service is free and we are here to help you. Learn More. Read More. COPD Symptoms and Diagnosis To diagnose chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD , which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, your doctor will evaluate your symptoms, ask for your complete health history, conduct a health exam and examine test results.

COPD Research Research can provide a better and longer future for those diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Make a Donation Your tax-deductible donation funds lung disease and lung cancer research, new treatments, lung health education, and more.

Make a Donation. Sign Up for Email Updates Join over , people who receive the latest news about lung health, including COVID, research, air quality, inspiring stories and resources. Please enter a valid email address. Zip Code. Tips from former smokers. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.

You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. CDC is not responsible for Section compliance accessibility on other federal or private website. COPD and lung cancer have several common risk factors. Smoking is the number one risk factor for both diseases. Both are more likely if you breathe secondhand smoke, or are exposed to chemicals or other fumes in the workplace.

There may be a genetic predisposition to developing both diseases. Also, the risk of developing either COPD or lung cancer increases with age. It was estimated in that between 40 and 70 percent of people with lung cancer also have COPD. This same study concluded that COPD is a risk factor for lung cancer. A study suggests they may actually be different aspects of the same disease, and that COPD could be a driving factor in lung cancer. It does mean that you have a higher risk.

Learn more about the possible complications of COPD. Most people with COPD are 40 years of age or older. The majority of people with COPD are smokers or former smokers. Smoking is the most important risk factor that can be changed.

In up to 5 percent of people with COPD, the cause is a genetic disorder involving a deficiency of a protein called alphaantitrypsin. COPD is a leading cause of hospitalizations in industrialized countries.

In the year , it was noted that there were over , hospital admissions and approximately 1. More women than men die from COPD each year. Much of that can be attributed to an aging population.

Check out more statistics about COPD. COPD generally reduces life expectancy, though the outlook varies considerably from person to person.

People with COPD who never smoked may have a modest reduction in life expectancy , while former and current smokers are likely to have a larger reduction. Early symptoms can usually be managed, and certain lifestyle choices can help you maintain a good quality of life for some time.

People with severe stages of COPD may not be able to care for themselves without assistance. They may also be at risk of depression and anxiety. Besides smoking, your outlook depends on how well you respond to treatment and whether you can avoid serious complications. Your doctor is in the best position to evaluate your overall health and give you an idea about what to expect. Learn more about the life expectancy and prognosis for people with COPD.

Read this article in Spanish. When you're living with COPD, environmental factors have a large impact on your quality of life. Here are the best — and worst — places in the U.

Chronic bronchitis is a form of COPD. It may be caused by smoking and other exposure to chemicals. We explain the risks, diagnosis, treatment, and…. For people with COPD, the tripod position helps to lower your diaphragm and open your lung space.

This position may help to decrease shortness of…. Impaired gas exchange in COPD can cause symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing, and fatigue. It also leads to hypoxemia and hypercapnia. Pleurisy is inflammation in the pleura of the lungs that can be accompanied by pain.

In some cases, it can evolve into pleural effusion, which is when…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. What are the symptoms of COPD? What causes COPD? Diagnosing COPD. Treatment for COPD.

Medications for COPD. Diet recommendations for people with COPD. Living with COPD. What are the stages of COPD?