COPD is a progressive condition that steadily gets worse over time. Experts categorize COPD into several stages using the GOLD system.

female doctor diagnosing patient's health

Home assistant doctor Holding Oxygen Mask Over women's Face

Girl having respiration problems touching chest

Visiting senior

senior health issues

Mature Adult Man Using Nebulizer At Home

patient measures his own lung capacity

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Physician showing mature woman blue asthma inhaler

Senior woman with an oxygen mask talking to a doctor

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COPD Foundation

The European Respiratory Journal

International Journal of COPD

American Lung Association

StatPearls

Cochrane Database for Systematic Reviews

COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease refers to a group of lung diseases, with chronic bronchitis and emphysema being the most common ones. Most patients with COPD suffer both of these diseases.

Emphysema is the disease that destroys the air sacs, which limits outward airflow. Bronchitis is an inflammation that leads to mucus build up. With COPD, patients have difficulty breathing. Symptoms are mild at first, starting with shortness of breath and coughing. But with time, it becomes harder to breathe. Patients experience tightness in the chest and have flare-ups with more severe symptoms.

The main cause of COPD in developed countries is smoking and exposure to chemical irritants. The disease requires a long time to develop, and there is no cure. To diagnose COPD, a patient undergoes blood tests, imaging tests, and lung function tests. With the right treatment, quality of life can be significantly improved. Oxygen therapy, medications, and surgery are the most common treatments.

Conditions

"Condition" is a general term for particular abnormal diseases that negatively affect a part or all of the body. Conditions are not due to any external injury. Therefore, a broken bone does not classify as a condition, whereas Herpes, OCD, Shingles, and Ulcers do.

Medical conditions are classified by specific symptoms and signs. While each person's experiences can vary, there are consistent signs and symptoms that doctors will look for when diagnosing their patients. We always recommend that people seek a professional diagnosis. Afterward, supplement medical advice and opinion with accurate and easy to read information.

Most people only spend an average of a couple minutes with their doctor during a checkup. Oftentimes patients don't receive the fullest explanation of their diagnosis. Easily search through the vast amount of articles that Facty Health offers for ones that address your specific needs. From there, allow us to help you with those unanswered questions.

COPD

What Are the Stages of COPD?

6. Stage 3C and Stage 3D: Severe COPD

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