Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
COPD is a broad term used to describe a group of lung conditions that persist over a long period of time (chronic). The conditions result in lung infections and cause the overproduction of mucus, which usually traps and removes particles that irritate the lungs. In large amounts, mucus causes the airway to become narrowed, making it difficult to breath.1
COPD includes:1–3
- Emphysema: damage to the air sacs (small balloon-like structures) in the lungs that allow oxygen to enter the blood
- Chronic bronchitis: long-term inflammation and narrowing of the airways
COPD is common and mainly affects middle-aged or older smokers, although sometimes it can affect people who do not smoke.1
9 out of 10 cases of COPD are caused by smoking2
Other causes of COPD include:1,4–6
Exposure to smoke
Dust
Long-term exposure to harmful fumes
Air pollution
Working in a job with exposure to dust, fumes and chemicals
Premature birth
Signs and symptoms of COPD include:1,7
Frequent coughing or wheezing
Excess phlegm, mucus, or sputum production
Shortness of breath
Trouble taking a deep breath
Patients with COPD often experience ‘flare-ups’, also known as exacerbations.1 These are periods of time when symptoms become worse or more intense. Flare-up triggers are the same as the causes of COPD, mainly infections, air pollution and irritants, such as dust. During a flare-up, it is important to seek medical help to manage and control the symptoms.8
COPD is usually diagnosed using spirometry, a commonly used breathing test measuring lung function. It assesses how much air the lungs can breathe out. Additionally, a chest examination using a stethoscope is another technique that can be used for diagnosis.9
Further support and resources
Many charities and organisations across the UK are dedicated to raising awareness and supporting individuals living with COPD and their families.
For Chiesi resources to support you with managing your condition:
For other resources to support you with managing your condition:
For help with quitting smoking:
For guidance on COPD in the workplace:
Air pollution and respiratory diseases
Although found everywhere, air pollution is most common in large, busy cities. Small airborne particles found in haze, smoke and dust present serious air quality problems. These small particles are formed during construction, in transport and in chemical industries. When inhaled, particles can enter the lungs, acting as direct irritants that cause the airways to swell and tighten, which leads to respiratory conditions and worsening of symptoms.10
Understand when air pollution is predicted to be high in your local area according to the Met Office.
The Clean Air movement
Global Action Plan’s Clean Air movement helps businesses make changes in their air pollution production and encourages governments to bring about systemic change.11
Get involved in the Global Action Plan to combat air pollution.
Patient Resources
If you’re a patient, or a carer of a patient, who has been prescribed one of our products, you’ll find information and resources to help manage your condition here
- NHS. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd/.
- COPD. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/copd.html.
- Asthma + Lung UK. Chronic bronchitis. Available at: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditions/copd-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease/chronic-bronchitis.
- NHS. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease causes. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd/causes/.
- Asthma + Lungs UK. What are the early life risks to children’s lungs? Available from https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/how-your-lungs-work/risks-your-childs-lungs/early-life.
- News Medical Life Science. Preterm birth linked to elevated risk of asthma or COPD in adulthood. Available from: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20230330/Preterm-birth-linked-to-elevated-risk-of-asthma-or-COPD-in-adulthood.aspx.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COPD: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/copd/features/copd-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment.html.
- NHS North Tees and Hartlepool. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and exacerbations or “flare ups”. Available at: https://www.nth.nhs.uk/resources/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd-and-exacerbations-or-flare-ups/.
- NHS. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease diagnosis. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd/diagnosis/.
- American Lung Association. Particle pollution. Available at: https://www.lung.org/clean-air/outdoors/what-makes-air-unhealthy/particle-pollution
- Global Action Plan. Action for Clean Air. Available at: https://www.actionforcleanair.org.uk/.