Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, or COPD, are diseases that cause breathing problems and airflow blockage. From emphysema and chronic bronchitis to alpha antitrypsin, COPD causes breathing difficulties for 16 million Americans.1 Millions more suffer from COPD but have not been diagnosed and are not being treated.2
Although COPD is a progressive disease with no cure, there are treatments available. With proper management, people with COPD are able to control symptoms and achieve quality of life, while reducing the risk of other associated conditions.3
Symptoms of COPD
Some COPD symptoms are similar to a common cold, which is the reason people with COPD may not recognize symptoms of the disease until significant lung damage has occurred.4
Symptoms of COPD may include:5
- Constant coughing or wheezing.
- Substantial mucus, phlegm or sputum (coughed up mucus).
- Shortness of breath and difficulty taking a deep breath.
- Persistent respiratory infections.
- Loss of energy.
- Puffiness in ankles, feet or legs.
- Unexpected weight loss (during later stages).
People with COPD are advised to see their healthcare provider if any of the above symptoms are not improving, if they have a fever or a change in sputum or notice other symptoms of infection.6
What causes COPD?
In the United States, tobacco smoke is a major contributor in the development and progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.7 Other factors include exposure to air pollutants in the home and workplace, a person’s genetics and respiratory infections. In the developing world, indoor air quality is thought to play a larger role than it does in the United States.8
People with COPD are advised to avoid inhaling tobacco smoke and environmental pollutants.9 By guarding against respiratory infections and being vigilant about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, patients may be able to change the course of COPD.10
Risk factors for COPD:11
- Tobacco smoke – Long-term cigarette smoking is the most significant factor for COPD. The more years a person smokes and the more packs of cigarettes, the greater the risk for developing COPD. People exposed to large amounts of secondhand smoke and those who smoke cigars, pipes and marijuana are also at risk.
- Asthma – People who suffer from asthma, a chronic inflammatory airway disease, may be at greater risk for developing COPD.
- Dust and chemical exposure – Chemical fumes, vapors and dust may irritate and inflame the lungs. People working long-term in environments with these substances may be more susceptible to COPD.
- Fumes from burning fuel – People in the developing world may be burning fuel for cooking and heating in homes that lack proper ventilation. This type of exposure increases the risk of developing COPD.
- Genetics – A rare genetic disorder, alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, is considered to be the cause of some cases of COPD. There are other genetic factors that may make smokers more susceptible to the disease.
Complications of COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a debilitating illness, causing complications that impact the day-to-day activities of people with COPD.12
Compared to adults without COPD, people with COPD are more likely to:13
- Experience limitations in their activities, such as difficulty walking or climbing stairs.
- Reduce their ability to work.
- Require portable oxygen tanks and special equipment.
- Become confused or experience memory loss.
- Develop chronic diseases, such as asthma, arthritis, congestive heart failure, diabetes, coronary heart disease or stroke.
- Visit the emergency room or stay overnight in the hospital.
- Be depressed or develop other mental or emotional conditions.
Doctors use stages to describe the severity of COPD, called the GOLD staging or grading system. GOLD stands for the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, started by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institute of Health and the World Health Organization in 1997.14
GOLD helps raise awareness of COPD, allowing doctors and other health professionals to develop treatments and preventive measures for the disease. The GOLD system bases the stages of COPD on several things:15
- Patient’s symptoms
- How many times COPD has worsened
- Number of hospital stays due to COPD
- Results from a spirometry, a test that checks the amount of air and speed that people with COPD can exhale
The 4 stages of COPD or GOLD grades are:16
GOLD 1: Mild
GOLD 2: Moderate
GOLD 3: Severe
GOLD 4: Very severe
When to call a doctor
A flare-up of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may require treatment in a hospital. People with COPD are advised to see a doctor as soon as they notice symptoms of COPD.17
These symptoms indicate an emergency requiring a 9-1-1 call:18
- Difficulty breathing or talking.
- Lips or fingernails turning blue or gray, a sign of a low oxygen level in the blood.
- Unable to stay focused or mentally alert.
- Rapid heartbeat.
- Recommended treatments for symptoms are not working.
How is COPD treated?
People with COPD are advised to consult their physician for careful evaluation to create a treatment plan. An appropriate COPD treatment may alleviate symptoms, decrease the frequency and severity of flare-ups, as well as allow patients to better tolerate exercise.19
Treatment options for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may include:20
- Stop smoking – As a significant factor for COPD, smoking cessation is the most important part of treatment for patients who smoke.
- Minimizing tobacco smoke and air pollutants – People with COPD are advised to avoid air pollutants at home and work.
- Training for pulmonary rehabilitation – A personalized treatment program teaching COPD management strategies, pulmonary rehabilitation, may include training on breathing and energy conservation, as well as providing advice on food and exercise.
- Taking medication – Physicians will prescribe specialized medicine for people with COPD to manage symptoms, such as coughing or wheezing.
- Fending off lung infections – People with COPD are advised to get vaccines for flu, pneumonia, etc. If appropriate, take antibiotics for respiratory infections.
- Using supplemental oxygen – Some people with COPD may require a portable oxygen tank if their blood oxygen levels are low.
Doctors turn to the GOLD system to determine the severity and life expectancy of people with COPD.21 Much depends on age, health, lifestyle and the severity of the disease when COPD was diagnosed, and the steps taken by the patient to lessen the damage.22
For people with COPD who have mild cases and don’t have heart disease, diabetes or other health problems, Albert A. Rizzo, MD, chief medical officer for the American Lung Association, says, “It’s not a death sentence by any means. Many people live into their 70s, 80s or 90s with COPD.”23
COPD support network
Getting support is an important part of coping with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. With family, friends, co-workers, physicians and healthcare providers, people with COPD may get the physical, emotional and social support needed for healthier, happier lives.24
The American Lung Association offers free resources, such as:25
Lung Helpline – Open 7 days a week and is staffed with registered nurses, respiratory therapists and certified tobacco treatment specialists.
Living with COPD Community on Inspire – An online forum connecting people with COPD to create a virtual support group.
Better Breathers Club – In-person or virtual support groups to provide tools for people coping with lung disease and their caregivers to share struggles and live their best quality of life.
Patient & Caregiver Network – Nationwide, online support program with direct access to lung disease management tools and education.
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Sources:
1“What is COPD?” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last accessed August 14, 2023,
2“What is COPD?”
3“COPD,” Mayo Clinic, last accessed August 14, 2023,
4“COPD,” Mayo Clinic.
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7“Basics About COPD,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last accessed August 14, 2023,
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11“COPD,” Mayo Clinic.
12“Basics About COPD.”
13“Basics About COPD.”
14Matthew Hoffman, “COPD Stages and the GOLD Criteria,” WebMD, last accessed August 14, 2023,
15Hoffman, “COPD Stages and the GOLD Criteria.”
16Hoffman, “COPD Stages and the GOLD Criteria.”
17“COPD symptoms,” National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, last accessed August 14, 2023,
18“COPD symptoms.”
19“Basics About COPD.”
20“Basics About COPD.”
21Kathryn Whitbourne, “Life Expectancy With COPD,” WebMD, last accessed August 14, 2023,
22Whitbourne, “Life Expectancy With COPD.”
23Whitbourne, “Life Expectancy With COPD.”
24“Finding COPD Support,” American Lung Association, last accessed August 14, 2023,
25“Finding COPD Support.”
This information is provided for educational purposes only. It is not to be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns.
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