Other Names for COPD
- Chronic obstructive airway disease
- Chronic obstructive lung disease
In the United States, chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) includes:
- Emphysema
- Chronic bronchitis
In the emphysema type of COPD, the walls between
many of the air sacs are destroyed, leading to a few large air sacs instead of
many tiny ones (see the How the Lungs Work
section). Consequently, the lung looks like a sponge with many large bubbles or
holes in it, instead of a sponge with very tiny holes. The large air sacs have
less surface area for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide than healthy
air sacs. Poor exchange of the oxygen and carbon dioxide causes shortness of
breath.
In chronic bronchitis, the airways have become
inflamed and thickened, and there is an increase in the number and size of
mucus-producing cells. This results in excessive mucus production, which in
turn contributes to cough and difficulty getting air in and out of the lungs.
Most people with COPD have both chronic bronchitis
and emphysema. |