COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
A long-term lung disease, usually caused by smoking, in which the airways become narrowed and the lung tissue damaged, making it progressively harder to breathe out. It causes breathlessness, a persistent cough with phlegm and frequent chest infections, and is diagnosed by a breathing test.
What it is
COPD is a common, long-term lung condition that limits airflow and makes breathing progressively more difficult. It bundles together chronic bronchitis (long-term inflammation and mucus in the airways) and emphysema (damage to the tiny air sacs where oxygen is absorbed). The overwhelming cause is smoking; long-term exposure to air pollution, workplace dusts and fumes, and — in a minority — the inherited alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency also cause it. The damage is largely permanent, so the goals are to slow progression, ease symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Typical symptoms are breathlessness (at first on exertion, later with less effort), a persistent cough often bringing up phlegm, wheeze, chest tightness and frequent winter chest infections. It is diagnosed with spirometry, a breathing test that shows airflow that does not fully reverse. Over time, 'exacerbations' (flare-ups, often triggered by infection) cause a sharp worsening. The single most important treatment is stopping smoking, which slows the decline; inhalers, pulmonary rehabilitation, vaccinations and, in advanced disease, oxygen all help. Blood tests support care rather than diagnose: checking alpha-1-antitrypsin in younger or non-smoking patients, and a raised haemoglobin or blood gases in more advanced disease.
Key lab markers
- Spirometry (breathing test) — the diagnostic test; blood tests are supportive, not diagnostic.
- Alpha-1-antitrypsin — checked in younger patients, non-smokers, or with a family history, to find the inherited cause.
- Full blood count — haemoglobin can rise (from low oxygen) or reveal anaemia contributing to breathlessness.
- Arterial blood gases — in advanced disease, to assess oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.
- CRP / white cells — support diagnosing an infective flare-up.
Symptoms
- Breathlessness, at first on exertion and later with less effort
- A persistent cough, often bringing up phlegm
- Wheeze and chest tightness
- Frequent chest infections, especially in winter
- Tiredness and reduced exercise tolerance
- Flare-ups (exacerbations) with a sharp worsening of symptoms
Related symptoms
Related lab panels
When to discuss with a doctor
COPD should be considered in anyone over 35 with a smoking history who has persistent breathlessness, a chronic cough with phlegm, or recurrent chest infections — a breathing test can confirm it, and earlier diagnosis allows earlier action. The most important step, at any stage, is stopping smoking, which is the only thing proven to slow the disease. See a doctor promptly for a flare-up — worsening breathlessness, more or discoloured phlegm, or a chest infection — as these often need treatment. Seek urgent care for severe breathlessness, blue lips, confusion or drowsiness, which can mean dangerously low oxygen or high carbon dioxide. Mediora.AI can highlight supportive findings such as a low alpha-1-antitrypsin or a rising haemoglobin, but COPD is diagnosed with a breathing test and managed by your doctor.