Why is copd obstructive

Call your health care provider if your symptoms are getting worse or if you have signs of an infection, such as a fever. Since smoking causes most cases of COPD, the best way to prevent it is to not smoke. It's also important to try to avoid lung irritants such as secondhand smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes, and dusts.

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Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. See, Play and Learn Images. Resources Reference Desk Find an Expert. What is COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease? If you have COPD, less air flows in and out of your airways because of one or more problems: The airways and air sacs in your lungs become less elastic The walls between many of the air sacs are destroyed The walls of the airways become thick and inflamed The airways make more mucus than usual and can become clogged What are the types of COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

COPD includes two main types: Emphysema affects the air sacs in your lungs, as well as the walls between them. They become damaged and are less elastic. Chronic bronchitis , in which the lining of your airways is constantly irritated and inflamed. This causes the lining to swell and make mucus.

What causes COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease? Who is at risk for COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease? This the main risk factor. Long-term exposure to other lung irritants , such as secondhand smoke, air pollution, and chemical fumes and dusts from the environment or workplace Age.

Most people who have COPD are at least 40 years old when their symptoms begin. This includes alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, which is a genetic condition. People who have asthma have more risk of developing COPD than people who don't have asthma. But most people with asthma will not get COPD. What are the symptoms of COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

They can include Frequent coughing or a cough that produces a lot mucus Wheezing A whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe Shortness of breath, especially with physical activity Tightness in your chest Some people with COPD get frequent respiratory infections such as colds and the flu. How is COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease diagnosed? Your health care provider may use many tools to make a diagnosis: A medical history, which includes asking about your symptoms A family history Various tests, such as lung function tests , a chest x-ray or CT scan , and blood tests Your doctor will diagnose COPD based on your signs and symptoms, your medical and family histories, and test results.

What are the treatments for COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease? Treatments include Lifestyle changes , such as Quitting smoking if you are a smoker. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.

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Cancel Continue. This form of COPD is caused by a genetic inherited condition that affects the body's ability to produce a protein Alpha-1 that protects the lungs. Smoking is the biggest risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD , which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It increases your risk of both developing and dying from COPD.

Approximately 85 to 90 percent of COPD cases are caused by smoking. Female smokers are nearly 13 times as likely to die from COPD as women who have never smoked; male smokers are nearly 12 times as likely to die from COPD as men who have never smoked. This November your donation goes even further to improve lung health and defeat lung cancer.

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