Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

An exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is when someone with COPD has a sudden worsening of their symptoms, such as breathlessness, coughing and coughing up phlegm (sputum).

What is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease? {#overview}

Symptoms of COPD

When to get medical advice

Causes of COPD

Treatments for COPD

Outlook for COPD

Preventing COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease symptoms {#symptoms}

Main symptoms

Other symptoms

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease causes {#causes}

Smoking

Fumes and dust at work

Air pollution

Genetics

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease diagnosis {#diagnosis}

Spirometry

Chest X-ray

Blood tests

Further tests

Treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease {#treatment}

Short-acting bronchodilator inhalers

Long-acting bronchodilator inhalers

Steroid inhalers

Theophylline tablets

Mucolytic tablets or capsules

Steroid tablets

Antibiotics

Nebulised medication

Long-term oxygen therapy

Ambulatory oxygen therapy

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV)

Living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease {#overflow}

Take your medication

Stop smoking

Exercise regularly

Maintain a healthy weight

Get vaccinated

Check the weather

Watch what you breathe

Relationships with friends and family

Your sex life

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References

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Article information

A set of lung conditions which make breathing difficult, commonly caused by smoking and can be controlled by lifestyle changes (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD))

A set of lung conditions which make breathing difficult, commonly caused by smoking and can be controlled by lifestyle changes

Paper cut out of lungs with a stick inside them representing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease