Understanding COPD
What Is COPD?
COPD is a term that means:
Chronic: never goes away
Obstructive: partly blocks the airflow
Pulmonary: in the lungs
Disease: sickness
COPD refers to the obstruction of airflow into and out of the lungs caused by a group
of lung diseases:
• chronic bronchitis
• emphysema
• chronic asthma
COPD is a progressive illness. This means that symptoms may be mild at first but may
worsen over time. Symptoms include shortness of breath, increased coughing, increased
wheezing, and an increased amount and thickening of mucus.
Facts about COPD
• COPD can be treated and controlled, but it cannot be cured.
• About 30 million people in the United States have COPD.
• COPD is a major cause of illness and disability throughout the world.
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