Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. It’s typically caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, most often from cigarette smoke.
There’s currently no cure for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but treatment can help slow the progression of the condition and control the symptoms.
These may include:
- stopping smoking – if you have COPD and you smoke, this is the most important thing you can do
- inhalers and tablets – to help make breathing easier
- Exercise regularly, as COPD worsens exercise will become harder. Regular exercise can prolong the worsening of symptoms.
- Keep track of your symptoms daily, keep your doctor informed of changes when you attend appointments.
- pulmonary rehabilitation – a specialised programme of exercise and education
- surgery or a lung transplant – although this is only an option for a very small number of people
- A doctor will discuss the various treatment options with you.
Talk to your doctor if your symptoms are not improving with treatment or getting worse, or if you notice symptoms of an infection, such as fever.
