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U-M Health SystemThis information is approved and/or reviewed by U-M Health System providers but it is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for medical treatment. You should speak to your physician or make an appointment to be seen if you have questions or concerns about this information or your medical condition.

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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

What is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is permanent obstruction of airflow from the lungs. This disease causes loss of lung function.

COPD is the most common respiratory cause of death in the U.S.

How does it occur?

COPD generally results from chronic bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema caused by smoking. The disease usually develops over time and occurs most often in people over age 45 who smoke and/or live where air pollution is a problem.

What are the symptoms?

COPD usually has symptoms of both chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Symptoms of chronic bronchitis include:

  • coughing
  • sputum production
  • difficulty breathing, in advanced stages
  • wheezing
  • shortness of breath.

Symptoms of emphysema include:

  • difficulty breathing, especially with exertion
  • minor cough
  • little or no sputum
  • weight loss from difficulty breathing
  • very rapid breathing.

How is it treated?

The doctor may prescribe medication such as:

  • Bronchodilator treatment uses medication to relax the muscles in the bronchial tubes to allow air to flow. Some of these medications are taken in pill or liquid form and some are inhaled.
  • Long-acting drugs can be used in an inhaler or a nebulizer. A nebulizer is a device used to inhale aerosol medicine through a face mask.

The following may be recommended to improve your symptoms:

  • Exercise, such as walking or riding a stationary bicycle three or four times each day for 5 to 15 minutes.
  • Breathing exercises to help control the abnormal breathing associated with COPD.
  • Oxygen therapy: Use of a special machine or cylinder (oxygen concentrator) to increase oxygen-rich air in your environment and make breathing easier.
  • Using a humidifier to increase air moisture at home.
  • Changing your work environment to reduce exposure to irritants.
  • Drinking at least eight glasses of fluid a day.

If secretions are difficult to cough up, the doctor may have a nurse or family member help clear your bronchial tubes using one of the following techniques:

  • Chest percussion: Striking a part of your chest with short, sharp blows.
  • Postural drainage: Helping you assume a posture that helps drain secretions from the lungs.

How can I take care of myself?

If you smoke, quitting can slow the progress of the disease considerably.

You can partially control symptoms by following these guidelines for home care:

  • Stop smoking.
  • Eat nutritious foods.
  • Avoid irritants such as smoke, air pollution, and extreme variations in temperature and humidity.
  • Consider lifestyle changes such as changing jobs or moving to a less polluted climate or lower altitude.
  • Eat high-calorie snacks between meals if you are underweight.
  • Take vitamin and mineral supplements if recommended by your doctor.
  • Be as active as you comfortably can.
  • Get plenty of rest and sleep.
  • Learn to use relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety and fear.
  • Get pneumonia immunization as well as annual flu immunizations if recommended by your doctor.


Developed by McKesson Clinical Reference Systems.
Published by McKesson Clinical Reference Systems.

This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.


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