COPD COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive A diagnosis of COPD is considered in Pulmonary Disease. t is a long term any smoker or non-smoker, aged over 40 condition that results in restricted air flow. years who has shortness of breath and/or A number of different breathing problems difficulty breathing while resting. A cough come under the general term of COPD. that doesn't go away, phlegm (mucus), They include chronic asthma, chronic winter bronchitis and a wheeze. Your bronchitis, chronic bronchiolitis and doctor needs to confirm the diagnosis emphysema all of which result in breathing and determine how severe it is. tubes that have lost their stretchiness so There is no cure for COPD. However they become damaged for good. The tubes there are a lot of things that can be done also become inflamed (swollen), clogged to help you breathe more easily and with mucus and narrowed, so it is hard to feel better. Quitting smoking is the most breathe. Air gets trapped in the lungs. Carole Baxter important thing you can do to improve Tobacco is the main cause of COPD. t breathlessness and other symptoms, is usually many years after moderate to stop further lung damage and slow down heavy smoking before symptoms of the how quickly the disease gets worse. condition appear, with people over the Talk to us about how we can help you or age of 45 affected most a family member quit smoking. Unichem To 51 George Street, Tuakau Ph 236-8014 Open until 5.30pm-late night Thurs till7pm Your local health professional