COPD Explained: Symptoms, Triggers, and Treatment Options

What Is COPD?

COPD is a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties, not a single disease. The two most common conditions that fall under this umbrella are emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

In a healthy lung, the airways are elastic and springy. When you inhale, the air sacs fill like small balloons, and when you exhale, they deflate to let the air out. With COPD, this process is broken. The airways might become narrowed, damaged, or clogged with phlegm, making it harder for air to get in and out of the lungs.

COPD is a progressive condition, meaning it usually develops slowly over many years. Many people don’t realise they have it until they’re in their late 40s or 50s. While the damage to the lungs is permanent, understanding the disease is the first step toward feeling better.

Understanding the Causes of COPD

The COPD cause that stands out above all others is smoking, which is thought to be responsible for 9 out of every 10 cases. The harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke damage the lining of the lungs and airways. Over time, this stops them from working properly.

However, smoking isn’t the only cause. Long-term exposure to harmful fumes, dust, or chemicals at work can also damage the lungs. In some rare cases, a genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can make people more vulnerable to developing COPD at a younger age, even if they have never smoked. Air pollution and frequent chest infections during childhood may also play a role in how your lungs develop and function later in life.

Recognising COPD Symptoms

Because COPD develops slowly, it’s easy to dismiss the early signs as just “getting older” or “a smoker’s cough.” However, spotting these main symptoms early is crucial:

• Increasing Breathlessness – This is often the first sign. You may notice that you run out of breath when exercising or moving around, and it gradually happens during easier activities.
• A Persistent, Chesty Cough – You might have a cough that doesn’t go away and produces phlegm or mucus.
• Frequent Chest Infections – Individuals with COPD frequently experience colds that linger in their chests for longer periods than usual.
• Persistent Wheezing – This is a whistling sound when you breathe.

You might also experience weight loss, fatigue, and swollen ankles. If you notice these changes, seek medical care.

How We Diagnose COPD

If you’re concerned about your breathing, the first step is to see a doctor. Before diagnosing COPD, Sussex Premier Health’s team will ask about your symptoms, your medical history, and whether you smoke or have been exposed to lung irritants.

The main test for COPD is called spirometry, which is a simple breathing test. You’ll be asked to take a very deep breath and blow as hard as you can into a machine called a spirometer. This measures the total amount of air you can breathe out and how fast you can blow it.

We may also conduct additional tests to rule out other conditions, such as asthma. These might include a chest X-ray to look for problems in the lungs or blood tests to check for anaemia or the genetic deficiency mentioned earlier.

Our COPD Treatment Options

There’s currently no cure for COPD, but there are ways we can help you breathe easier. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatments focus on relieving symptoms and slowing the condition’s progression.

COPD Inhaler Therapy

Inhalers are the cornerstone of treatment. COPD inhaler therapy works by delivering medicine directly into the lungs. The different types of inhalers include:

• Bronchodilators – These relax the muscles around your airways to open them. Short-acting bronchodilators provide immediate relief, while long-acting ones take effect over 12 to 24 hours.
• Steroid Inhalers – These contain corticosteroids, which help reduce inflammation and swelling inside the airways. They’re often used in combination with bronchodilators for severe cases.

Tablets and Other Medicines

If inhalers aren’t enough, you might be prescribed tablets. Mucolytic tablets can help thin the phlegm in your throat, making it easier to cough up. In some cases, steroid tablets are used for a short time during a bad flare-up.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

This is a specialised programme of exercise and education. It’s designed to help people with lung problems understand their condition and improve their physical fitness. Being active might feel scary when you’re breathless, but it’s one of the best ways to improve your breathing.

Preventing and Managing COPD

Managing COPD is more about lifestyle than medicine. The single most important thing you can do is stop smoking. Even if you’ve smoked for years, quitting now can slow the damage to your lungs. Avoiding COPD triggers and prevention of flare-ups is also key. Among the most common triggers are:

• Cigarette smoke, even second-hand
• Air pollution and car exhaust fumes
• Cold air
• Strong smells like perfume or cleaning products

You should also protect yourself against infections. Because your lungs are vulnerable, getting your annual flu shot and the one-off pneumococcal vaccination is highly recommended.