~ Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease .
~ Is a progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe .
~ COPD develops slowly and gets worse over time .
~ Cause coughing that produces large amounts of phlegm ( sputum ) wheezing ( high - pitched sound when breathing out ) shortness of breath with exertion , chest tightness .
~ Prolonged cough in the morning , often coughing up phlegm .
~ Cigarette smoking , pollution , chemical fumes or dust may contribute to COPD .
~ Secondary smoke ( exposure to people who smoke ) is also a risk factor .
~ No cure for COPD .
~ No treatment to reverse the damage to the airway and lungs .
~ There are 4 different stages of COPD :
- Ranging from mild ( stage 1 ) to very severe ( stage 4 )
- Airway & air sacs lost elastic quality .
- The walls between many of air sacs have been destroyed .
- The walls of airways become thick & inflamed .
- The airways produce more mucous , cloging them .
