What Is COPD?
From The Lung Association Home Page: COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a term that refers to a variety of chronic lung disorders, the most common being a mixture of chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD is the result of damage that has been done to lungs over many years. The diagnosis is made when the symptoms become apparent to you and your physician. COPD results in chronic airflow obstruction, the main symptom of which is dyspnea, or shortness of breath, often occurring with cough and wheeze. COPD affects both men and women. The average Canadian with COPD is 65 years of age and has a long history of smoking. However, COPD can first be diagnosed in patients as young as 40. COPD progresses slowly and worsens over time. Symptoms can range from being barely noticeable to incapacitating. The rate of progression and extent of disability vary from person to person. While there is no cure for COPD, the progression of the disease can be controlled first and foremost by quittin
COPD is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as either COAD, for chronic obstructive airway disease, or COLD, for chronic obstructive lung disease. COPD is a disease in which the airways are obstructed due to a combination of asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. The 1987 Merck Manual notes that “the term COPD was introduced because these conditions often coexist, and it may be difficult in an individual case to decide which is the major one producing the obstruction.” [Maintainer’s note: the entries for COPD, emphysema, bronchitis, pneumonia, and cystic fibrosis have been included because of common confusion between the various diseases which can affect the lungs.
