Understanding Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, commonly known as COPD, is a progressive lung condition that makes breathing increasingly difficult over time. Unlike a temporary illness, COPD develops slowly, often unnoticed in its early stages, and typically affects middle-aged and older adults. The disease primarily includes two conditions: chronic bronchitis, which causes inflammation of the airways, and emphysema, where the air sacs in the lungs are damaged. Both conditions reduce airflow, making it hard for oxygen to reach the bloodstream efficiently.
The primary cause of COPD is long-term exposure to irritants that damage the lungs and airways. Smoking remains the leading risk factor, responsible for the majority of cases worldwide. However, other factors such as air pollution, chemical fumes, and genetic predisposition can also contribute. In some rare instances, individuals with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency—a genetic disorder—may develop COPD even without smoking exposure.
Symptoms of COPD often…