Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

A group of lung diseases characterized by difficulty breathing and obstruction of airflow, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

What are the main symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

- "The main symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath and a cough, which may or may not produce mucus."

Is COPD curable?

- "While COPD is incurable, it is preventable and treatable."

What are the two most common types of COPD?

- "The two most common types of COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis."

How is emphysema defined?

- "Emphysema is defined as enlarged airspaces (alveoli) whose walls have broken down resulting in permanent damage to the lung tissue."

How is chronic bronchitis defined?

- "Chronic bronchitis is defined as a productive cough that is present for at least three months each year for two years."

Can emphysema and chronic bronchitis exist without airflow limitation?

- "Both of these conditions can exist without airflow limitation when they are not classed as COPD."

What is a common risk factor for developing COPD?

- "The most common cause of COPD is tobacco smoking."

What are some other risk factors for COPD?

- "Other risk factors include indoor and outdoor air pollution, exposure to occupational irritants, and genetics."

What are some common sources of indoor air pollution in developing countries?

- "Common sources of indoor air pollution are the use of coal and biomass such as wood and dry dung as fuel for cooking and heating."

How is the diagnosis of COPD made?

- "The diagnosis is based on poor airflow as measured by spirometry."

Can most cases of COPD be prevented?

- "Most cases of COPD can be prevented by reducing exposure to risk factors such as smoking and indoor and outdoor pollutants."

Is there any conclusive evidence that medications can improve long-term lung function in COPD?

- "While treatment can slow worsening, there is no conclusive evidence that any medications can change the long-term decline in lung function."

What are some COPD treatments?

- "COPD treatments include smoking cessation, vaccinations, pulmonary rehabilitation, inhaled bronchodilators, and corticosteroids."

What are some additional treatments for COPD in severe cases?

- "Some people may benefit from long-term oxygen therapy, lung volume reduction, and lung transplantation."

How many people are affected by COPD globally?

- "As of 2015, COPD affected about 174.5 million people (2.4% of the global population)."

Who is most affected by COPD?

- "It typically occurs in males and females over the age of 35–40."

How many deaths were caused by COPD in 2019?

- "In 2019 it caused 3.2 million deaths, 80% occurring in lower and middle-income countries."

What is the projected trend for COPD-related deaths?

- "The number of deaths is projected to increase further because of continued exposure to risk factors and an aging population."

What was the economic cost of COPD in the United States in 2010?

- "In the United States in 2010 the economic cost was put at US$32.1 billion."

What is the estimated annual cost of COPD in the United Kingdom?

- "In the United Kingdom this cost is estimated at £3.8 billion annually."