Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease that makes breathing harder over time and affects approximatley 12.5% of people aged 40 or older worldwide. It happens when the airways become swollen and blocked, making it difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs.

Causes

COPD is usually caused by:

• Smoking (the main cause)

• Breathing in harmful fumes, dust, or chemicals for many years

• Genetic factors (some people inherit a condition that makes them more likely to get COPD)

Symptoms

People with COPD may notice:

• Shortness of breath, especially when being active A cough that brings up mucus and doesn’t go away

• Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)

• Chest tightness

• Getting lung infections often