Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), sometimes called Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease or COLD, is a group of chronic lung diseases which obstruct air from entering and exiting the lungs and airways. Generally, COPD develops over a 10 to 30 year period and is typically diagnosed in people over 60 years of age.

COPD is a term used when a patient has both chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The patient may experience a rapid, and/or sudden, and prolonged worsening of symptoms, such as cough, increased mucus production, and/or shortness of breath. This is referred to as a COPD exacerbation. Other conditions, such as pneumonia, may complicate the condition.

The most common cause of COPD is smoking, with nearly 80% to 90% of the cases found in long-term smokers. Prolonged tobacco use causes inflammation of the lungs and destruction of the alveoli. Narrowed airways, enlarged alveoli, and reduced lung elasticity results.

Causes of COPD

Symptoms of COPD depend on whether the disease is mainly due to chronic bronchitis or mainly due to emphysema. When chronic bronchitis is the predecessor, the person is referred to as a "blue bloater". The blue bloater's first symptoms are typically a cough that brings up mucus.

When emphysema is the predecessor, the person is referred to as a "pink puffer". The pink puffer's first symptoms are typically shortness of breath.

Are you a blue bloater or pink puffer? Take the quiz to find out.

Signs & Symptoms of COPD

Source: WebMD.com and A.D.A.M