COPD A Growing Epidemic and What You Can Do to Prevent It
                     COPD: A Growing Epidemic and What You Can Do to Prevent It  
 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a prevalent lung disease that affects millions of
people worldwide. 
 Characterized by breathlessness, COPD makes it difficult to breathe, and its symptoms can 
significantly impact daily life.
There are two main forms of COPD:
COPD is not a single disease, but rather a group of chronic lung conditions that cause airflow blockage 
and breathing difficulties. The two primary forms of COPD are:
Chronic Bronchitis: This type of COPD is characterized by a persistent cough with mucus production. In 
chronic bronchitis, the airways become inflamed and produce excess mucus, leading to wheezing, 
coughing, and shortness of breath.
Emphysema: Emphysema is a condition in which the air sacs in the lungs are damaged, causing them to 
lose their shape and function. This damage can lead to shortness of breath, fatigue, and difficulty 
breathing.
Causes of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that makes it difficult to 
breathe. While there is no cure for COPD, understanding its causes can help individuals take steps to 
prevent or slow its progression. The main causes of COPD are:
Tobacco Smoke: Smoking is the leading cause of COPD, accounting for about 80-90% of all cases. 
Cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, many of which can damage the lungs and cause 
inflammation.
Secondhand Smoke: Breathing in someone else's tobacco smoke can also increase the risk of developing
COPD.
Air Pollution: Exposure to air pollution, particularly particulate matter (PM), can damage the lungs and 
increase the risk of COPD.
Genetics: Some people may be more susceptible to COPD due to their genetic makeup.
Occupational Exposure: Working in industries that involve heavy metal exposure, such as mining or 
construction, can increase the risk of COPD.
Symptoms may include any of the following:
 Cough, with or without mucus
 Fatigue
 Frequent respiratory infections
 Shortness of breath (dyspnea) that gets worse with mild activity
 Trouble catching one's breath
 Wheezing
Exams and Tests for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Diagnosing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) typically involves a combination of medical 
history, physical examination, and lung function tests. The following exams and tests are commonly used
to diagnose COPD:
Spirometry: This is a non-invasive test that measures lung function by blowing air into a device called a 
spirometer. The test measures the amount of air you can breathe in and out, as well as how quickly you 
can blow it out.
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs): PFTs are a group of tests that measure lung function, including 
spirometry, lung volumes, and gas diffusion.
Lung Volumes Test: This test measures the amount of air in the lungs and the amount of air that can be 
exhaled.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Immediately call to the emergency call 18008891200 /+91-8810787432 or visit wellsun medicity  if you 
have a rapid increase in shortness of breath.
Prevention
Not smoking prevents most cases of COPD. Ask your provider about quit-smoking programs. Medicines 
are also available to help you stop smoking.
Alternative Names
COPD; Chronic obstructive airways disease; chronic obstructive lung disease; Chronic bronchitis; 
Emphysema; Bronchitis – chronic
WELLSUN MEDICITY 
Dr. Gyanendra Shukla 
MBBS,DMB,(Respiratory Medicine)
 EDARM, PDCC, (Sleep Medicine) Consultant 
Pulmonary Medicine And Critical Care 
Address
8-B/NH-5, Vrindavan Yojna,
Shaheed Path,Lucknow-226029
email id- [email protected]
http://wellsunmedicity.com