.png)
Understanding Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, commonly known as COPD, is a long-term lung condition that makes breathing increasingly difficult. Unlike a temporary illness, COPD gradually worsens over time, affecting millions of people worldwide. It is often associated with a persistent cough, shortness of breath, and frequent respiratory infections. While it can occur at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in adults over 40, especially those with a history of smoking.
At its core, COPD damages the airways and air sacs in the lungs, limiting airflow and reducing oxygen supply to the body. The two main conditions under the COPD umbrella are emphysema, which destroys the walls of the air sacs, and chronic bronchitis, which causes long-term inflammation of the airways. Many patients experience a combination of both, making the condition more severe.
Smoking is the leading cause of COPD, but it is not the…