Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is one of the most common lung diseases today. It makes it difficult for the person to breathe. There are two major forms of COPD:

  • Chronic bronchitis, which involves a long-term cough with mucus
  • Emphysema, which involves destruction of the lungs over time


Signs and symptoms

Its major symptoms include:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Cough, with or without mucus
  • Many respiratory infections
  • Wheezing
  • Trouble catching one’s breath


Causes

Its major causes are:

  • Smoking
  • Exposure to certain gases or fumes in the workplace
  • Exposure to heavy amounts of secondhand smoke and pollution
  • Frequent use of cooking fire without proper ventilation

CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY