What is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, shortened to COPD, is an umbrella term that is used to describe a mix of lung conditions.

Select each word to see what COPD really means:

• Chronic – means long-lasting. Although there is no cure for COPD there is a lot that you can do to make life easier with the support of your health care professionals, carer and family. It is important to get an early diagnosis of COPD. A variety of treatments and self management can lessen symptoms or help you cope with your COPD.
• Obstructive – means a narrowing of the breathing tubes or airways. it is important to remember that while some of your airways are narrowed (obstructed) others will be working normally.
• Pulmonary – means in and around the lungs. This includes the breathing tubes (airways), breathing muscles in the chest and the blood vessels. (In the past COPD was sometimes called COAD – Chronic Obstructive Airways Disease but now the term COPD is used)
• Disease – is another name for a health condition or illness.