Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Reviewed by: Dr. Abraham Misael Tolentino de la Mora · Pulmonology · Sleep medicine · Specialty license 14138092
Last reviewed:
Description
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease in which changes in the bronchi (chronic bronchitis, inflammation that causes cough and phlegm) or in the alveoli (emphysema, destruction of the air sacs) cause persistent, and often progressive, obstruction of airflow. It is confirmed with spirometry with a bronchodilator. It is one of the main causes of illness and death worldwide.
Causes
- Long-term exposure to tobacco smoke (main cause)
- Secondhand smoke
- Exposure to wood smoke
- Industrial dust and chemicals
- Environmental pollution
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (genetic)
Symptoms
- Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
- Chronic cough (often with sputum production)
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Fatigue
- Frequent respiratory infections
Diagnosis
It is confirmed with spirometry with a bronchodilator that shows obstruction that does not return to normal (FEV1/FVC ratio below 0.7). It is supported by evaluating your symptoms and previous flare-ups and, sometimes, by a chest CT scan or other tests.
Treatment
Quitting smoking and avoiding significant exposures is the most important step. The foundation of treatment is long-acting bronchodilator inhalers; in some patients, other inhaled medications are added. Pulmonary rehabilitation and vaccines (influenza, pneumococcus, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus) are also recommended, as well as home oxygen if blood oxygen levels are low.
Reference guideline: GOLD 2026.
Complications
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Respiratory failure
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Heart problems
- Weight loss and muscle weakness
- Depression and anxiety
Risk factors
- Active and secondhand smoking
- Occupational exposure to dust and chemical products
- Air pollution
- History of serious respiratory infections in childhood
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
- Older age
Statistics in Mexico
In Mexico City, the PLATINO study found COPD, confirmed by spirometry, in 7.8% of adults aged 40 and older. In 2024, COPD caused 19,136 deaths in Mexico and was the ninth leading cause of death in the country.
Frequently asked questions
Is COPD curable?
No, but treatment reduces symptoms and flare-ups, and quitting smoking slows its progress.
Does wood smoke cause COPD?
Yes. Cooking or heating with wood or charcoal for years is a major cause of COPD, in addition to tobacco.
Will I need oxygen?
Only if the oxygen level in your blood is low. It is measured with oximetry or an arterial blood gas test.
When should I see a pulmonologist?
If you have a cough with phlegm for months or shortness of breath when walking, especially if you smoke, have smoked, or have been exposed to wood smoke.
Sources: GOLD (2026) · PLATINO (2005) · INEGI (2025)
Conditions
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