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<link rel="alternative" hreflang="en" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000091.htm"/><meta property="og:title" content="Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia"/><meta property="og:url" content="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000091.htm"/><meta property="twitter:title" content="Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia"/><meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/><meta name="description" content="Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung disease. Having COPD makes it hard to breathe."/><meta itemprop="description" name="description" content="Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung disease. Having COPD makes it hard to breathe."/><meta property="og:description" content="Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung disease. Having COPD makes it hard to breathe."/><meta property="twitter:description" content="Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung disease. Having COPD makes it hard to breathe."/><meta property="og:image" content="https://medlineplus.gov/images/share_ency_1.jpg"/><meta property="og:image" content="https://medlineplus.gov/images/share_ency_2.jpg"/><meta property="og:image" content="https://medlineplus.gov/images/share_ency_3.jpg"/><meta property="twitter:image" content="https://medlineplus.gov/images/share_ency_1.jpg"/>
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</div><div><span>Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)</span></div></div>
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<article><div id="d-article"><div class="page-info"><div class="page-title"><a name="start" id="start">
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</a><h1 class="with-also" itemprop="name">Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)</h1>
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</noscript></div><div class="main"><div id="ency_summary"><p>Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung disease. Having COPD makes it hard to breathe.</p><p>There are two main forms of COPD:</p><ul><li>Chronic bronchitis, which involves a long-term cough with mucus</li><li>Emphysema, which involves damage to the lungs over time </li></ul><p>Most people with COPD have a combination of both conditions.</p></div><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Causes</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-1" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-1"><p>Smoking is the main cause of COPD. The more a person smokes, the more likely that person will develop COPD. But some people smoke for years and never get COPD.</p><p>If a person has a rare condition in which they lack a protein called <a test="test" href="./000120.htm">alpha-1 antitrypsin</a>, they can develop emphysema even without smoking.</p><img title="Emphysema" alt="Emphysema" src="//medlineplus.gov/ency/images/ency/fullsize/17055.jpg" class="img-e" itemprop="image"/><p>Other risk factors for COPD are:</p><ul><li>Exposure to certain gases or fumes in the workplace</li><li>Exposure to heavy amounts of secondhand smoke and pollution</li><li>Frequent use of a cooking fire without proper ventilation </li></ul></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Symptoms</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-2" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-2"><p>Symptoms may include any of the following:</p><ul><li><a test="test" href="./003072.htm">Cough</a>, with or without mucus</li><li><a test="test" href="./003088.htm">Fatigue</a></li><li>Frequent respiratory infections</li><li>Shortness of breath (<a test="test" href="./003075.htm">dyspnea</a>) that gets worse with mild activity</li><li>Trouble catching one's breath</li><li><a test="test" href="./003070.htm">Wheezing</a></li></ul><p>Because the symptoms develop slowly, many people may not know that they have COPD.</p></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Exams and Tests</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-3" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-3"><p>The best test for COPD is a lung function test called <a test="test" href="./003853.htm">spirometry</a>. This involves blowing out as hard as possible into a small machine that tests air movement and lung capacity. The results can be checked right away. </p><img title="Spirometry" alt="Spirometry" src="//medlineplus.gov/ency/images/ency/fullsize/1142.jpg" class="img-e" itemprop="image"/><p>Using a stethoscope to listen to the lungs can also be helpful, showing prolonged expiratory time or wheezing. But sometimes, the lungs sound normal, even when a person has COPD.</p><p>Imaging tests of the lungs, such as <a test="test" href="./003804.htm">x-rays</a> and <a test="test" href="./003788.htm">CT scans</a> may be ordered. With an x-ray, the lungs may look normal, even when a person has COPD. A CT scan will almost always show signs of COPD if it is present.</p><p>Sometimes, a blood test called <a test="test" href="./003855.htm">arterial blood gas</a> may be done to measure the amounts of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.</p><p>If your health care provider suspects you have alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a <a test="test" href="./003715.htm">blood test</a> will likely be ordered to detect this condition.</p></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Treatment</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-4" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-4"><p>There is no cure for COPD. But there are many things you can do to relieve symptoms and keep the disease from getting worse.</p><p>If you smoke, <a test="test" href="../patientinstructions/000696.htm">now is the time to quit</a>. This is the best way to slow lung damage.</p><p>Medicines used to treat COPD include:</p><ul><li><a test="test" href="../patientinstructions/000026.htm">Quick-relief drugs</a> to help open the airways</li><li><a test="test" href="../patientinstructions/000025.htm">Control drugs</a> to reduce lung inflammation</li><li>Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling in the airways</li><li>Certain long-term antibiotics </li></ul><p>In severe cases or during flare-ups, you may need to receive:</p><ul><li>Steroids by mouth or through a vein (intravenously)</li><li>Bronchodilators through a nebulizer</li><li>Oxygen therapy</li><li>Assistance from a <a test="test" href="./001916.htm">machine</a> to help breathing by using a mask or through the use of an endotracheal tube </li></ul><p>Your provider may prescribe antibiotics during symptom <a test="test" href="../patientinstructions/000698.htm">flare-ups</a>, because an infection can make COPD worse.</p><p>You may need <a test="test" href="../patientinstructions/000048.htm">oxygen therapy</a> at home if you have a low level of oxygen in your blood.</p><p>Pulmonary rehabilitation does not cure COPD. But it can teach you more about the disease, train you to breathe in a different way so you can stay active and feel better, and keep you functioning at the highest level possible.</p><p>
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LIVING WITH COPD
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</p><p>You <a test="test" href="../patientinstructions/000697.htm">can do things every day</a> to keep COPD from getting worse, protect your lungs, and stay healthy.</p><p>Walk to build up strength:</p><ul><li>Ask the provider or respiratory therapist how far to walk.</li><li>Slowly increase how far you walk.</li><li>Avoid talking if you get short of breath when you walk.</li><li>Use pursed lip breathing when you breathe out, to empty your lungs before the next breath. </li></ul><p>Things you can do to make it easier for yourself around the home include:</p><ul><li>Avoid very cold air or very hot weather</li><li>Make sure no one smokes in your home</li><li>Reduce air pollution by not using the fireplace and getting rid of other irritants</li><li><a test="test" href="../patientinstructions/000700.htm">Manage stress and your mood</a></li><li>Use oxygen if prescribed for you </li></ul><p>Eat healthy foods, including fish, poultry, and lean meat, as well as fruits and vegetables. If it is hard to keep your weight up, talk to a provider or dietitian about eating foods with more calories, by eating small frequent meals.</p><p>Surgery or other interventions may be used to treat COPD. Only a few people benefit from these surgical treatments:</p><ul><li>One-way valves can be inserted with a bronchoscopy to help deflate parts of the lung that are hyperinflated (overinflated) in select patients.</li><li>Surgery to remove parts of the diseased lung, which can help less-diseased parts work better in some people with emphysema (lung volume reduction surgery).</li><li><a test="test" href="./003010.htm">Lung transplant</a> for a small number of very severe cases.</li></ul></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Support Groups</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-5" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-5"><p>You can ease the stress of illness by joining a <a test="test" href="./002158.htm">support group</a>. Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone. </p></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Outlook (Prognosis)</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-6" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-6"><p>COPD is a long-term (chronic) illness. The disease will get worse more quickly if you do not stop smoking.</p><p>If you have severe COPD, you will be short of breath with most activities. You may be admitted to the hospital more often.</p><p>Talk with your provider about breathing machines and end-of-life care as the disease progresses.</p></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Possible Complications</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-7" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-7"><p>With COPD, you may have <a test="test" href="../patientinstructions/000701.htm">other health problems</a> such as:</p><ul><li>Irregular heartbeat (<a test="test" href="./001101.htm">arrhythmia</a>)</li><li>Need for breathing machine support with a mask (non-invasive ventilation) and oxygen therapy</li><li>Right-sided heart failure or <a test="test" href="./000129.htm">cor pulmonale</a> (heart swelling and <a test="test" href="./000158.htm">heart failure</a> due to chronic lung disease)</li><li><a test="test" href="./000145.htm">Pneumonia</a></li><li>Collapsed lung (<a test="test" href="./000087.htm">pneumothorax</a>)</li><li>Severe weight loss and <a test="test" href="./000404.htm">malnutrition</a></li><li>Thinning of the bones (<a test="test" href="./000360.htm">osteoporosis</a>)</li><li>Debilitation</li><li>Increased anxiety </li></ul></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>When to Contact a Medical Professional</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-8" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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</span></button></div><div class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen" aria-live="polite">
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</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-8"><p>Go to the emergency room or call 911 or the local emergency number if you have a rapid increase in shortness of breath.</p></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Prevention</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-9" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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</span></button></div><div class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen" aria-live="polite">
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</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-9"><p>Not smoking prevents most cases of COPD. Ask your provider about <a test="test" href="../patientinstructions/000696.htm">quit-smoking</a> programs. Medicines are also available to help you stop smoking.</p></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Alternative Names</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-Alt" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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</span></button></div><div class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen" aria-live="polite">
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</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-Alt"><p>COPD; Chronic obstructive airways disease; Chronic obstructive lung disease; Chronic bronchitis; Emphysema; Bronchitis - chronic</p></div></div></section><section><div class="section sec-mb"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Patient Instructions</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-carepnt" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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</span></button></div><div class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen" aria-live="polite">
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</div></div><div name="Patient Instructions" class="section-body" id="section-carepnt"><ul class="side-nav"><li><a href="../patientinstructions/000100.htm">Antiplatelet medicines - P2Y12 inhibitors</a></li>
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<li><a href="../patientinstructions/000092.htm">Aspirin and heart disease</a></li>
|
||
<li><a href="../patientinstructions/000093.htm">Being active after your heart attack</a></li>
|
||
<li><a href="../patientinstructions/000009.htm">Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - adults - discharge</a></li>
|
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<li><a href="../patientinstructions/000025.htm">COPD - control drugs</a></li>
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<li><a href="../patientinstructions/000026.htm">COPD - quick-relief drugs</a></li>
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<li><a href="../patientinstructions/000215.htm">COPD - what to ask your doctor </a></li>
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<li><a href="../patientinstructions/000053.htm">How to breathe when you are short of breath</a></li>
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<li><a href="../patientinstructions/000006.htm">How to use a nebulizer</a></li>
|
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<li><a href="../patientinstructions/000041.htm">How to use an inhaler - no spacer</a></li>
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<li><a href="../patientinstructions/000042.htm">How to use an inhaler - with spacer</a></li>
|
||
<li><a href="../patientinstructions/000043.htm">How to use your peak flow meter</a></li>
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<li><a href="../patientinstructions/000242.htm">Lung surgery - discharge </a></li>
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<li><a href="../patientinstructions/000046.htm">Make peak flow a habit</a></li>
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<li><a href="../patientinstructions/000049.htm">Oxygen safety</a></li>
|
||
<li><a href="../patientinstructions/000066.htm">Traveling with breathing problems</a></li>
|
||
<li><a href="../patientinstructions/000048.htm">Using oxygen at home</a></li>
|
||
<li><a href="../patientinstructions/000251.htm">Using oxygen at home - what to ask your doctor </a></li>
|
||
</ul></div></div></section><section><div class="section sec-mb"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Images</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-tnails" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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</div></div><div name="Images" class="section-body" id="section-tnails"><ul class="img-grid group">
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<li><img src="//medlineplus.gov/ency/images/ency/tnails/1142t.jpg" alt="Spirometry" title="Spirometry" class="side-img"/><a href="../imagepages/1142.htm">Spirometry</a></li>
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<li><img src="//medlineplus.gov/ency/images/ency/tnails/17055t.jpg" alt="Emphysema" title="Emphysema" class="side-img"/><a href="../imagepages/17055.htm">Emphysema</a></li>
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<li><img src="//medlineplus.gov/ency/images/ency/tnails/17099t.jpg" alt="Bronchitis" title="Bronchitis" class="side-img"/><a href="../imagepages/17099.htm">Bronchitis</a></li>
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<li><img src="//medlineplus.gov/ency/images/ency/tnails/17214t.jpg" alt="Quitting smoking" title="Quitting smoking" class="side-img"/><a href="../imagepages/17214.htm">Quitting smoking</a></li>
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<li><img src="//medlineplus.gov/ency/images/ency/tnails/19376t.jpg" alt="COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder)" title="COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder)" class="side-img"/><a href="../imagepages/19376.htm">COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder)</a></li>
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<li><img src="//medlineplus.gov/ency/images/ency/tnails/9248t.jpg" alt="Respiratory system" title="Respiratory system" class="side-img"/><a href="../imagepages/9248.htm">Respiratory system</a></li>
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</ul></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>References</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-Ref" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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</span></button></div><div class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen" aria-live="polite">
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</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-Ref"><p>Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) website. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease: 2023 Report. <a href="https://goldcopd.org/2023-gold-report-2/" target="_blank">goldcopd.org/2023-gold-report-2/</a>. Accessed June 2, 2023.</p><p>Han MK, Lazarus SC. COPD: diagnosis and management. In: Broaddus VC, Ernst JD, King TE, et al, eds. <em>Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine</em>. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 64.</p><p>National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. COPD national action plan. <a href="https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/education-and-awareness/COPD-national-action-plan" target="_blank">www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/education-and-awareness/COPD-national-action-plan</a>. Updated February 9, 2021. Accessed June 2, 2023.</p><p>Rochester CL, Nici L. Pulmonary rehabilitation. In: Broaddus VC, Ernst JD, King TE, et al, eds. <em>Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine</em>. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 139.</p></div></div></section>
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<section><div class="section sec-mb"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Test Your Knowledge</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-testyourknowledge" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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</span></button></div><div class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen" aria-live="polite">
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</div></div><div name="Test Your Knowledge" class="section-body" id="section-testyourknowledge"><ul class="side-nav"><li><a href="//medlineplus.gov/ency/quiz/000091_59.htm">Test Your Knowledge of COPD Triggers</a></li></ul></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Review Date 5/3/2023</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-version" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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</div></div>
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<div id="section-version" class="section-body"><p>Updated by: Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, MHS, Paul F. Harron, Jr. Professor of Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.</p>
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</div></div></div></section><section><div class="section sec-mb"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Related MedlinePlus Health Topics</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-mtp" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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</div></div><div name="Related MedlinePlus Health Topics" class="section-body" id="section-mtp"><ul class="side-nav"><li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/copd.html">COPD</a></li>
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