Overview
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of progressive lung diseases — including emphysema and chronic bronchitis — that obstruct airflow and make breathing increasingly difficult. COPD is largely caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, most often from cigarette smoking. It is a major cause of disability and death worldwide, though quitting smoking can significantly slow its progression.
Causes and risk factors
The following factors are associated with the development of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease):
- Cigarette smoking — most important cause
- Long-term exposure to chemical fumes, dusts, and pollutants
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency — genetic condition
- Indoor air pollution (cooking fires in developing countries)
- Outdoor air pollution
- Frequent childhood respiratory infections
- Asthma (may accelerate COPD development)
- Ageing of the lungs
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) include:
- Increasing breathlessness, especially with activity
- Persistent cough with mucus (chronic bronchitis)
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Fatigue
- Unintended weight loss in later stages
- Swollen ankles, feet, or legs (cor pulmonale)
- Cyanosis (bluish tinge to lips)
Diagnosis
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and appropriate investigations such as blood tests, imaging, or specialist review, depending on the specific condition and presentation. Your doctor will consider all relevant symptoms and risk factors before making a diagnosis.
Treatment options
Treatment approaches for COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) may include:
- Stopping smoking — most important intervention
- Short-acting bronchodilators for symptom relief
- Long-acting bronchodilators (LABAs, LAMAs)
- Inhaled corticosteroids for frequent exacerbations
- Combination inhalers
- Pulmonary rehabilitation programme
- Oxygen therapy for low blood oxygen
- Vaccinations against flu and pneumonia
- Surgery in selected severe cases (lung volume reduction)
Prevention
Not smoking is by far the most effective prevention. Avoiding occupational and environmental pollutants also reduces risk significantly.
Complications
If left untreated or poorly managed, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) can lead to complications including:
Respiratory failure, heart failure (cor pulmonale), frequent exacerbations requiring hospitalisation, pneumonia, lung cancer, depression.
Sources and references: This article is written in accordance with NHS UK, WHO, and Mayo Clinic clinical guidelines. It is reviewed for accuracy by the SymptomSense content team. ICD-10 code: J44. Last reviewed June 2026.