WHAT IS CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE
PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD)
COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease.
• Chronic means it won’t go away.
• Obstructive means partly blocked.
• Pulmonary means in the lungs.
• Disease means sickness.
COPD is a common lung disease that
obstructs the airways, making breathing
difficult. COPD is usually caused by
smoking or exposure to fumes or very
dusty places. COPD can be prevented.
When COPD develops, it can be treated,
although it cannot be cured. The earlier it
is detected, the better the results of
treatment.
Adults may have COPD if they have
trouble breathing, or a cough that will not
go away. If you have these symptoms,
you should ask your doctor about COPD.
Doctors can help to improve your
symptoms and slow damage to your
lungs. Your doctor can help you do
something about COPD!
Take time to think about your
lungs……learn about COPD.
