Asthma (COPD)

COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a type of obstructive lung disease characterized by long-term breathing problems and poor airflow

SIGN AND SYMPTOMS

• The most common symptoms of COPD are
•  sputum production
• shortness of breath
•  a productive cough.
• These symptoms are present for a prolonged period of time and typically worsen over time.It is unclear whether different types of COPD exist. While previously divided into emphysema and chronic bronchitis, emphysema is only a description of lung changes rather than a disease itself, and chronic bronchitis is simply a descriptor of symptoms that may or may not occur with COPD

CAUSES

• Long-term exposure to lung irritants that damage the lungs and the airways usually is the cause of COPD. 
•  the most common irritant that causes COPD is cigarette smoke. Pipe
•  cigar
•  other types of tobacco smoke also can cause COPD, especially if the smoke is inhaled.