SGH Department of RCCM -- Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COLD)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?

COPD is a disease where both lungs are damaged and airways become irreversibly narrowed. It is also known as chronic obstructive airway disease (COAD) or chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD). Patients present with breathlessness on exertion that progresses over time. In the end, breathlessness may occur even at rest.

What causes of COPD?

The most important cause of COPD is cigarette smoking. Chemicals in tobacco damage the lungs with chronic smoking. Other less common causes include alpha1 anti-trypsin deficiency which is inherited, and poorly controlled asthma over long period of time.

Is COPD the same as asthma?

No. COPD usually caused by cigarette smoking while the cause of asthma is multifactorial. COPD tends to afflict the older population while asthma is more frequently seen in the young. The obstruction of the airways is usually fixed whereas in asthma it is usually reversible.

Is COPD contagious?

No. As the cause is not an infectious agent, it is not contagious.

Is COPD curable?

COPD cannot be cured. The damage to the lungs is irreversible. However, symptoms may be controlled with medication and smoking cessation. In fact, the most important measure is to stop smoking completely. The progression of the disease will be rapid as long as smoking is continued.

Why does breathlessness persist even when smoking has been stopped?

Lung function will still continue to deteriorate even when smoking has been stopped. However the rate of deterioration will slow down and symptoms will not worsen so rapidly. Even a normal person will have age-related deterioration of lung function.

What is lung volume reduction surgery?

Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) is a new form of treatment for a subset of COPD patients. This surgery involves removing small parts of the lung which are diseased. By doing so, normal areas of the lung which are compressed by these diseased areas are now able to expand more normally. This is associated with an improvement of symptoms. Patients with emphysema may be suitable for this form of treatment. They are usually require to undergo pulmonary rehabilitation to maximize their effort tolerance before going for LVRS.