Patient Login
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.
