Overview
COPD is a long-term lung condition that obstructs airflow, most often caused by smoking or long-term exposure to smoke and pollution. It includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
While existing damage cannot be reversed, the right treatment slows progression, reduces flare-ups and significantly improves day-to-day breathing and quality of life.
Common symptoms
- Persistent cough, often with phlegm
- Breathlessness that worsens with activity
- Frequent chest infections
- Wheezing and reduced exercise tolerance
How I can help
Confirming and grading severity with spirometry
Inhaler therapy tailored to symptoms and flare-up risk
Smoking cessation support and vaccination advice
Pulmonary rehabilitation and a flare-up (exacerbation) action plan
Frequently asked questions
Is COPD the same as asthma?
No. Both affect the airways, but COPD involves largely fixed airflow obstruction (usually from smoking) and tends to be progressive, whereas asthma is typically reversible and allergy-related. Treatment differs, so an accurate diagnosis matters.
Will quitting smoking still help if I already have COPD?
Yes — stopping smoking is the single most effective step at any stage. It slows further lung damage and reduces flare-ups even after a diagnosis.