Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
COPD happens when your airways and lungs become damaged, making it harder to breathe. It can cause symptoms like:
persistent cough
wheezing
shortness of breath
tight chest
fatigue
Researchers have estimated that about 480 millionTrusted Source people around the world had COPD in 2020. It’s the third leading cause of death across the globe, according to the World Health Organization (WHO)Trusted Source.
COPD can refer to two conditionsTrusted Source:
emphysema, which happens due to damage to the tiny air sacs in the lungs, affecting your ability to move air in and out of your body
chronic bronchitis, which leads to persistent inflammation or irritation of the airways and the formation of thick mucus
Several factors can contribute to COPD. Examples include things like smoking, air pollution, and occupational exposures. There’s no cure for COPD, but you can manage symptoms with:
medications to open the airways
pulmonary rehabilitation
oxygen therapy
surgery
