Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Definition
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. Most people with COPD have both emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Alternative Names
COPD; Chronic obstructive airway disease; Chronic obstructive lung disease; Emphysema; Chronic bronchitisCauses
The leading cause of COPD is smoking. Between 15 - 20% of long-term smokers will develop COPD. Using tobacco for a long time causes lung inflammation and destroys air sacs in the lungs. (In rare cases, non-smokers who lack a protein called alpha-1 anti-trypsin can develop emphysema.)
Other risk factors for COPD are:
- Exposure to certain gases or fumes in the workplace
- Exposure to heavy amounts of secondhand smoke and pollution
- Frequent use of cooking gas without proper ventilation
References
Goldman L, Ausiello D.Goldman: Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2007.
|
|
|
| ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by
URAC, also known as the American
Accreditation HealthCare Commission. URAC's accreditation program is
the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and
accountability, verified by independent audit.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2005 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.