They often feel breathless because it is difficult to inspire and expire air from the lungs. People with COPD have extensively damaged lungs that makes it tough for them to breathe.
Shortness of breath is also termed as “dyspnea.” Both chronic bronchitis and emphysema can cause breathlessness in the patient. Shortness of breath is a fairly common symptom in patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). With proper treatment, most of the symptoms of COPD can be controlled effectively. Research also revealed that 3.17 million people die of COPD each year all around the globe.ĬOPD cannot be treated completely but adequate symptomatic treatment can improve quality of life of the patient. Without treatment, COPD can be fatal for the patient.Īccording to the WHO, the Global Burden of Disease Study stated that 251 million people are suffering from COPD all around world. It is important that this disease is diagnosed at the early stage as condition of the patient only gets worse with time. Major symptoms involve daily cough and excessive mucus (sputum) production.Įmphysema is a lung disorder in which the lung alveoli are destroyed as a result of exposure to smoke and other irritative substances.ĬOPD is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes the blockage of airway passages makes it very difficult for the person to breathe. People with COPD are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular issues, lung cancer and other respiratory infectionsĬOPD is further divided into two conditions: Emphysema and chronic bronchitis.Ĭhronic bronchitis involves inflammation of bronchial mucosa which carries oxygen to and from the air sacs. Prolonged exposure to irritative chemicals like cigarette smoke can cause COPD. Major symptoms include dyspnea, chronic cough, excessive phlegm production and wheezing. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disorder that obstructs the airway passages and makes it difficult for the person to breathe.