Chronic (continual, permanent,
incurable)
Obstructive (blocks)
Pulmonary (pertaining to the
lungs)
Disease (condition with signs
and symptoms)
COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has no single definition.
COPD is a disease of the lungs. It is caused by blocking of the airways in the lungs, and it has no cure.
COPD refers to a number of chronic lung disorders that obstruct the airways. Asthma is is not usually considered a form of COPD because "pure" asthma symptoms can be reversed. COPD is permanent.
The most common form of COPD is a combination of chronic bronchitis and
emphysema.
Chronic Bronchitis is the presence of cough and sputum for more than three
months for two consecutive years. If there is airways obstruction in
addition to chronic bronchitis, COPD is indicated.
Chronic bronchitis occurs when the
airways in your lungs have become narrow and partly clogged with
mucus.
Emphysema occurs when some of the air sacs deep in your lungs have been damaged.
Emphysema is an enlargement and destruction of the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs. This causes the surrounding airways to collapse.
Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency-related emphysema is a relatively uncommon form of chronic lung disease. It results from an inherited lack of alpha 1-antitrypsin protein.
Fact:
According to research, 80% to 90% of all emphysema and chronic bronchitis
cases are caused by smoking. (Lung Facts 1994 Update. Canadian
Lung Association, 1993.)
| The Impact of COPD |  |
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Symptoms of COPD |