COPD: What It Is, Its Symptoms, Causes, and How It Is Diagnosed

What is COPD?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-term, progressive lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. It primarily affects the airways and the air sacs (alveoli) inside the lungs. In COPD, the airways become narrowed and inflamed, and the lung tissues gradually lose their elasticity. As a result, air becomes trapped inside the lungs, making exhalation harder. COPD is not a single disease but a group of conditions, mainly chronic bronchitis and emphysema. While COPD cannot be completely cured, early diagnosis, proper treatment, and lifestyle changes can significantly improve quality of life.

What Are the Symptoms of COPD?

COPD develops slowly, and symptoms may not appear until lung damage has already occurred. The most common symptoms include:

• Chronic cough: A persistent cough lasting months or years, often producing mucus.
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea): Initially during physical activity but later can occur even at rest.
• Wheezing: A whistling sound while breathing.
• Chest tightness: Feeling of heaviness or inability to take a full breath.
• Frequent respiratory infections: Such as colds, flu, or pneumonia.
• Fatigue: Due to reduced oxygen supply to the body.
• Unintended weight loss: More common in advanced COPD.

Symptoms usually worsen gradually, and many patients ignore early signs thinking it is just part of aging or smoking.

What Causes COPD?

COPD is most commonly caused by factors that damage the lungs over time. Major causes include:

Smoking

The leading cause of COPD is long-term cigarette smoking. Tobacco smoke irritates and inflames the airways, destroying lung tissues. Pipe smoking, cigar smoking, and secondhand smoke also increase the risk.

Environmental Exposure

Long-term exposure to air pollution, dust, chemical fumes, or smoke from burning biomass (wood, coal, cow dung) can damage lungs—especially in poorly ventilated homes.

Genetic Factors

A rare inherited condition called Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency can cause COPD, even in nonsmokers.

Occupational Hazards

People working in construction, mining, textile mills, factories, or agriculture may inhale harmful particles for many years, increasing COPD risk.

How Is COPD Diagnosed?

Early diagnosis is crucial to slow disease progression. Diagnosis usually involves:

Medical History and Physical Examination

Your doctor will ask about symptoms, smoking habits, exposure to pollutants, and family history.

Spirometry (Lung Function Test)

This is the most important test for diagnosing COPD. Spirometry measures how much air you can breathe out and how fast. A reduced airflow confirms airflow obstruction.

Chest X-ray or CT Scan

These imaging tests help detect lung damage, rule out other conditions like pneumonia or heart failure, and identify emphysema.

Blood Tests

Blood tests may check for AAT deficiency or measure oxygen levels in the blood.

COPD is a serious but manageable condition. Recognizing the symptoms early and seeking timely medical care can significantly slow its progression. Avoiding smoking, reducing environmental exposures, and following a doctor’s treatment plan help patients lead healthier, more active lives. If you or someone you know has persistent cough or breathing difficulties, consulting a healthcare professional is important for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

Author

Dr. Ziaul Huq

Senior Consultant

Respiratory Medicine

Evercare Hospital Dhaka.