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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive, chronic inflammatory lung disease characterized by obstructed airflow from the lungs. It is primarily caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, most often from cigarette smoke.
COPD encompasses two main conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
* Chronic bronchitis is defined by a persistent, productive cough for at least three months a year for two consecutive years. It involves inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs.
* Emphysema occurs when the air sacs (alveoli) at the end of the smallest air passages in the lungs are damaged. This damage reduces the elasticity of the lungs and impairs oxygen transfer to the bloodstream, leading to shortness of breath and a loss of lung elasticity.
COPD is a significant systemic disease that affects not only the lungs but also the entire body. It can accelerate lung aging and is frequently associated with other health problems such as diabetes, osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, and non-infectious muscle inflammation.
What is COPD?
COPD encompasses two main conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
* Chronic bronchitis is defined by a persistent, productive cough for at least three months a year for two consecutive years. It involves inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs.
* Emphysema occurs when the air sacs (alveoli) at the end of the smallest air passages in the lungs are damaged. This damage reduces the elasticity of the lungs and impairs oxygen transfer to the bloodstream, leading to shortness of breath and a loss of lung elasticity.
COPD is a significant systemic disease that affects not only the lungs but also the entire body. It can accelerate lung aging and is frequently associated with other health problems such as diabetes, osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, and non-infectious muscle inflammation.