COPD, short for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a progressive lung disease that primarily affects the airways, leading to the gradual loss of lung tissue. It comprises a group of conditions like chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma.

Key triggers for COPD are cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution.

COPD is characterized by irreversible airflow limitation, small airway fibrosis, alveolar damage, and chronic lung inflammation.

Its clinical features encompass persistent cough, breathlessness, sputum production, and intermittent exacerbations.

Advanced stages may lead to pulmonary hypertension and symptoms of heart failure. Severe cases may necessitate hospitalization due to respiratory failure.

Although a definitive cure for COPD does not exist, available treatments aim to alleviate symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life.

These involve lifestyle changes like smoking cessation, medications such as bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, theophyllines, and antibiotics, along with oxygen therapy.