Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is not one single disease but an umbrella term used to describe chronic lung diseases that cause limitations in lung airflow. The more familiar terms 'chronic bronchitis' and 'emphysema' are no longer used, but are now included within the COPD diagnosis.
The most common symptoms of COPD are breathlessness, or a 'need for air', excessive sputum production, and a chronic cough.
However, COPD is not just simply a "smoker's cough", but a under-diagnosed, life threatening lung disease that may progressively lead to death.
the faces of copd
quick copd facts
According to the latest WHO estimates (2007), currently 210 million people have COPD and 3 million people died of COPD in 2005. WHO predicts that COPD will become the third leading cause of death worldwide by 2030.
The most important risk factors for COPD are:
- Tobacco smoking
- Indoor air pollution (such as biomass fuel used for cooking and heating)
- Outdoor air pollution
- Occupational dusts and chemicals (vapors, irritants, and fumes)
Diagnosis
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WHO's role and activities
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