Chronic Lung Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a form of lung illness that progresses and is characterised by persistent respiratory symptoms and restricted airflow. A cough that may or may not produce mucus and shortness of breath are the prominent symptoms. Daily tasks like walking and getting dressed become more challenging as COPD becomes worse. Despite being incurable, COPD is treatable and preventive. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two most prevalent forms of COPD and have historically been considered its two primary phenotypes. In order to cause lasting damage to the lung tissue, emphysema is characterised by expanded airspaces (alveoli) whose walls have collapsed. A productive cough that lasts at least three months for at least two years is considered to be a sign of chronic bronchitis. When both symptoms are not classified as COPD, they can both occur without limiting airflow. Emphysema is simply one of the anatomical disorders that can restrict airflow and can present in a large proportion of people without restricting airflow. Although chronic bronchitis does not usually cause airway restriction, young individuals who smoke have a greater chance of developing COPD. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis were frequently mentioned in previous definitions of COPD, however they were never mentioned in the GOLD report criteria.