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COPD - A Disease Combo

Two Illnesses Are Rolled Into One

COPD is a common acronym that doctors use when someone is suffering from emphysema and chronic bronchitis at the same time. The moniker results from the fact that both of these diseases impede the flow of air into and out of the lungs. The initials stand for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

It is estimated that about 6 million people have been diagnosed with COPD. And many more than that are undiagnosed. The disease combination is the 4th leading cause of death in the U.S., moving up to 3rd place for white persons between the ages 65 and 74.

What is more startling than those statistics is the reality that this lethal combo is largely preventable. That’s because 80% to 90% of the cases are caused by smoking. (Other causes of COPD are secondhand smoke, industrial pollutants, heredity and a history of childhood respiratory infections.)

In the later stages of COPD, supplemental oxygen may become necessary. The presence of an oxygen bottle and tubes makes the disease more noticeable to others.

The Illnesses

Symptoms &" Progression

Emphysema - The lung walls lose the ability to stretch and recoil. Without this elasticity, air is trapped in the air sacs. This obstructs the flow in and out of the lungs. Eventually the walls weaken and collapse, preventing the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

  • 3 million Americans have been diagnosed.
  • 57% are men, 43% are women. (Occurrences among women have been increasing.)

Chronic Bronchitis - The inflammation (and eventual scarring) of the lining of the bronchial tubes. The tubes then produce a sticky mucus, called sputum, that is difficult for the hairs of the bronchi (cilia) to clear out of the lungs. Also, leads to bacterial infections. All this hinders the flow of air.

  • 11 million Americans diagnosed in 2001.
  • Twice as many women victims as men.

COPD progresses in intensity through 4 stages. These stages go (uncommonly) from 0-3. They were classified by the Gold Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) of 2001.

  • Stage 0—At Risk
  • Stage 1—Mild COPD
  • Stage 2—Moderate COPD
  • Stage 3—Severe COPD

Common Symptoms of COPD include:

  • Coughing and the expelling of mucus.
  • Wheezing, especially after a cough.
  • Frequent clearing of the throat, sore throat.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Harder to take a breath.
  • Tightness in the chest.
(Sources: American Lung Assn., COPDinAmerica.org)