COPD is a term that refers to a large group of lung diseases which can interfere with normal breathing. It is estimated that 11 percent of the US population has COPD. The two most common conditions of COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
The causes of COPD are not fully understood. It is generally agreed that the most important cause of chronic bronchitis and emphysema is cigarette smoking. Causes such as air pollution and occupational exposures may play a role, especially when combined with cigarette smoking. Heredity also plays a contributing role in some patients' emphysema, and is especially important in a rare form -- due to alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency.
Symptoms
Patients with chronic bronchitis usually have cough
and sputum for many years before they develop shortness of breath.
Patients with emphysema usually have shortness of breath and develop cough and sputum during a respiratory infection, or in the later stages of the illness.
Chronic bronchitis is a long-term inflammation of the bronchi, which results in increased production of mucous, as well as other other changes.
To be classified as chronic bronchitis:
The following are the most common symptoms for chronic bronchitis; however, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
Chronic bronchitis may cause:
Other symptoms may include:
The symptoms of chronic bronchitis may resemble other lung conditions or medical problems. Consult your physician for a diagnosis.
In acute bronchitis, bacteria or viruses may be the cause, but in chronic bronchitis there is no specific organism recognized as the cause of the disease.
Cigarette smoking is cited as the most common contributor to chronic bronchitis, followed by:
It is often associated with other pulmonary diseases such as:
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, your doctor may request the following:
- spirometry - to measure the amount of air that can be forced out in 1 second
- peak flow meter - to evaluate changes in breathing and response to medications
Specific treatment will be determined by your physician(s) based on:
Treatment may include:
|
Email this Page
Print this Page © 2008 University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). All rights reserved.
UMMC is a member of the University of Maryland Medical System, 22 S. Greene
Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. 1.800.492.5538 TDD: 1.800.735.2258
Physician Referral: 1.800.373.4111
