Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes conditions such as asthma, emphysema and bronchietasis, where there is decreased airflow. People with COPD have symptoms such as shortness of breath, difficulty filling the lungs with air, coughing, and mucus production. As the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, COPD has a higher predominance in male smokers.
Asthma
Asthma is a condition in which allergens or cold temperature cause the constriction of multiple structures in the lung. As a reversible condition, people with asthma do not always have symptoms. At times, the structures in their lungs can be normally expanded, but with dust, mold, pollen or cold weather, people's lung structures constrict and prevent easy breathing. Thus, people with asthma experience shortness of breath and coughing.
Emphysema
Emphysema, a condition caused by smoking or genetics, occurs when lung sacs over-inflate and trap air in the lungs. Over time, these lung sacs deteriorate, and people may have worsened breathing.
Bronchiectasis
People with bronchietasis have a long history of coughing and producing large amounts of mucus. Since bronchietasis is most often caused by infection, mucus tends to be malodorous and sometimes bloody.
References
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Fauci, Anthony et. al; 2008
- "Pulmonary Medicine"; Hannaman, Robert et. al; 2009
