Asthma :: Allergy :: Bronchiectasis :: COPD
Cystic Fibrosis :: Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)
Respiratory Infections :: Sleep Disorders :: Lung Cancer

COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also called chronic obstructive
lung disease, is a term that is used for two closely related diseases of the
respiratory system: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. In many patients these
diseases occur together, although there may be more symptoms of one than the
other. Most patients with these diseases have a long history of heavy cigarette
smoking.

COPD gets gradually worse over time. At first there may be only a mild shortness
of breath and occasional coughing. Then a chronic cough develops with clear,
colourless sputum. As the disease progresses, the cough becomes more frequent
and more and more effort is needed to get air into and out of the lungs. In later
stages of the disease, the heart may be affected. Eventually death occurs when the function of the lungs and heart is no longer adequate to deliver oxygen to the body's organs and tissues.

Cigarette smoking is the most important risk factor for COPD; it would probably be a minor health problem if people did not smoke. Other risk factors include age, heredity, exposure to air pollution at work and in the environment, and a history of childhood

Click on the below links to find out more about COPD

Web Based Movie
Links
Publications
Help lines
Useful questions
COPD research

Web based movie on COPD

Click here to view a web-based movie which will tell you all about COPD, its effect on lungs, medications.


Links

We have selected some other useful sites on asthma for your interests.
Your Practice Online is not responsible for the content of any of these sites.

Australian Lung Foundation

American Thoracic Society

Living with COPD 

Healthy Resources Program for COPD

Living with COPD: Your Nutritional Status

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Patient Guide

The Breathing Space COPD Library 

Around the clock with COPD

Symptoms of COPD

 

COPD Help lines

Publications

Coming soon

Useful Questions

Coming Soon

COPD Research

Coming soon.

Home :: Feedback :: Advertise with us :: Disclaimer :: Privacy :: Contact us