What is COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is characterized by abnormalities in the lungs that make it difficult to exhale normally. Generally, two distinct diseases are involved: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 75% of deaths from COPD that occur in developed countries are directly related to smoking tobacco. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis cause excessive inflammatory processes that eventually lead to abnormalities in lung structure that permanently obstruct airflow (hence the term "chronic obstructive"). A recent study shows that adults with asthma are 12 times more likely to develop COPD than those who do not have the condition.
Tobacco use is the number one risk factor for COPD and heavy smokers are at greatest risk. Cigarette smokers are at greater risk than cigar and pipe smokers. All smokers are at greater risk than lifelong non smokers.
