What is COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)?

COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a lung condition caused by damage to the airways. This damage leads to inflammation, blocking airflow and making breathing hard.
People with COPD often cough up a lot of mucus and may experience breathing difficulties, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Since COPD gets worse over time, its symptoms can limit everyday activities, making it hard to walk, cook, or take care of oneself.

Signs & Symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Signs and Symptoms of COPD include:

  • Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity.
  • Chronic Cough: A cough that produces mucus (sputum) for at least three months over two years.
  • Pursed Lip Breathing: A technique used to ease breathing by exhaling slowly through pursed lips.
  • Barrel-Shaped Chest: The chest may appear rounded due to lung expansion on imaging.
  • Reduced Oxygen Levels: Inefficient air exchange leads to lower oxygen in the blood.

COPD is commonly associated with smoking.

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Causes of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The main cause of COPD is smoking, which accounts for most cases. That’s why we recommend that any heavy smoker with more than 20 years of smoking history consult a pulmonologist for COPD screening.
In rare instances, COPD can be linked to a genetic condition known as Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. This deficient enzyme helps protect tissues from damage caused by substances that break down foreign materials in the body.

Consult your COPD specialist for personalized guidance tailored to your specific condition.

Stages of COPD

Lung function is tested using a device called a spirometer, which measures the amount of air inhaled and exhaled. This reflects lung capacity and helps classify the stages of COPD:

  • Mild: Minimal damage; can be managed easily.
  • Moderate: Requires extra medications for management.
  • Severe: Needs a more aggressive treatment plan, including long-term oxygen therapy.
  • Very Severe: May require lung transplantation.

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Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Preventing COPD can be achieved by avoiding smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke, which can reduce the risk of developing the disease by 99%.

The remaining 1% risk applies to individuals with a family history of genetic conditions affecting the lungs and liver (Alpha One Antitrypsin Deficiency). Early testing and monitoring are essential for these individuals to mitigate disease development.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treatment

COPD therapies include:

  • Medications:
    • Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Reduce inflammation in the lungs.
    • Bronchodilators: Help relax and open the airways.
  • Oxygen Supplementation: Provides additional oxygen to improve breathing.
  • Lung Transplantation: Considered a last resort for severe cases when other treatments are insufficient.

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Why Choose COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) Treatment at Reem Hospital, Abu Dhabi?

At Reem Hospital Abu Dhabi, we offer screening for heavy smokers with a 20-year history of smoking, as well as top-notch treatments for COPD and other respiratory conditions. Our experienced COPD doctors are dedicated to providing patient-centered care. With state-of-the-art technology, we deliver the best pulmonary care. Our commitment to continuous medical education ensures that we provide the latest advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory conditions.

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Written By
Dr. Rahaf Wagdy

Medical Content Writer

Dr. Rahaf Wagdy is an Egyptian nuclear radiologist and medical content creator who merges her clinical expertise with digital creativity. With over five years of experience in medical content writing in both Arabic and English, she is dedicated to simplifying...

Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Jassem Abdou

Consultant Pulmonology - Head of department

Dr. Jassem Abdou is a renowned Consultant in Pulmonary Medicine and serves as the Head of the Department at Reem Hospital. With over three decades of experience, he is a French board-certified specialist in pulmonary medicine, having received his certification...

Meet Our Pulmonologists

Dr. Jassem Abdou

Pulmonology
Consultant Pulmonology - Head of department
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Dr. Amira Mohammad El Sadek

Pulmonology
Specialist Pulmonology
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Dr.Rana Khazar Al-Zoubi 

Pulmonology
Consultant Pulmonology
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease FAQs

  • Can a person with COPD get better?

  • What is the final stage of COPD?

  • Is walking good for COPD?

  • What are the complications of COPD?

4.5/5
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Receptionist is accommodating.

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January 20, 2025

Good service and nice facilities🥰

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January 20, 2025

The best hospital

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January 20, 2025

I had an IFHAS check-up at Reem Hospital, and it was an excellent experience. They assigned a dedicated coordinator ( Hunais )who stayed with me all day, efficiently organizing my... see more

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January 20, 2025

I recently visited this hospital, very kind employees especially receptionist, nice atmosphere. I relaxed waiting area without any disturbance. Thanks reem hospital for your incredible hospitality👌

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مستشفى جميل و نظيف ماشاءالله، و رعايتهم بالمريض عالية

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January 20, 2025

very good hospital

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Everything you can wish for in a hospital 🫰

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January 20, 2025

Ahmad sir is good behaviour and very good personality.he is very good dealing.😊

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Ahmed is good person. He very accomodating.

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Amazing Moment here in the Reem Hospital the staff very accommodating ❤️❤️🥰

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Thank you Ahmad Shaban

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best hospitality, care and support. Specially, front Desk Mr. Ahmed shaban, very supportive guy! Hats off.

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Very nice hospital

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Good hospital

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All staffs are perfect

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All doctors are good in hospital

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Excellent services

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Good hospital

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Very nice hospital and services are incredible , especially the Department of Gastroenterology.

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Excellent services

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الحمد لله علي التعافي ورحلة العلاج اولا هذا من فضل ربي ثم مجهودات القائمين علي المستشفي والعياده الدكتور احمد عبدالفتاح بيومي نوفل وطبعا مينفعش انسي الممرضين ولا الاستقبال الاستاذه كريمه علي... see more

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January 14, 2025

Very good hospital. Cardiology department is exceptionally good, very attentive staff. Special thanks to Merit, she explained everything in detail when I made an appointment over the phone and... see more

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January 13, 2025

Thank Iman for the good guidance during my medical check up.

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January 13, 2025

We recently had our son admitted to this hospital, and we are so grateful for the care and support we received. The staff was exceptional, but we especially want to... see more

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January 12, 2025

Awesome hospital with excellent doctors

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January 10, 2025

Good services with all staffs are perfect

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January 10, 2025

Best ENT doctor ever

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January 10, 2025

The front desk staff was very helpful and accommodating. Mr Merit and Ms Niran was ready to assist you with all your concerns. I am very happy to meet them.

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Good service

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January 9, 2025

Dr.Danya Bushwereb (the Consultant family medicine) is so professional and helpful,she helped me a lot during my treatment journey.Thank you Dr.Danya and Reem hospital,we hope to see more doctors like... see more

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January 9, 2025

Dra Mavarish - podologist Very professional and competent Came to call me herself at the reception Excelent work

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January 8, 2025

Eiman was amazing and very helpful during my elite medical check up and everything was prompt. Highly recommend to come in the morning as it’s less crowded and reach out... see more

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شكرا دكتور احمد نوفل و الطاقم كاملا لنجاح عملية ابنتي اللحمية وشفط سوائل الأذن بامتياز حيث لم تعاني من اي الآلام بعد العمليه وهي في عمر السنتين وبضعة أشهر بارك الله... see more

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January 8, 2025

Went for an Executive Health Check, really excellent service, all of the doctors were faultless, knowledgeable and excellent Being guided round the hospital to each appointment made the entire... see more

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January 8, 2025

I had a fantastic experience with the hospital's Orthopedic and Physiotherapy departments, specifically Dr. Farid Guirguis and Mr. Dilshad in PT.

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January 8, 2025

Excellent experience, professional full health check undertaken quickly and with excellent customer service.

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January 8, 2025

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January 1, 2025

Ms. Meritb assisted me for my whole body checkup and was very supportive. It was good experience.

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January 1, 2025

I would like to take this opportunity to say that me and my husband are very blessed to have Dr. Salwa El-Taher as our OB-Gyne. Its our first pregnancy and... see more

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