This wiki article has an overview on COPD. Refers to emphysema and chronic bronchitis as older terms and gives some info on that.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronic_obstructive_...
This articleseems very helpful in understanding COPD. I started doing searches when I wondered why it is progressive if you stop the causes, like quit smoking.
https://www.emedicinehealth.com/emphysema/article_...
Some points I like:
… surprised it says to get the pneumonia shot every 5 years. (not just once when 65).
… Describes how destruction of lung tissue occurs in several ways. Even for those who quit smoking, continuing progression is from the inflammation and irritation over time, but helped by drugs and such.
... Smoking cessation may return lung function from this rapid deterioration (5 fold increase) to its normal rate (by age) after smoking is stopped
Some risk factors for emphysema:
- Old age - Lung function normally declines ... the more likely they will have enough lung
tissue destruction to produce emphysema.
- Men (hormones).
- Abnormal airway reactivity, such as bronchial asthma ...
... emphysema is not a death sentence. ... Quitting smoking is the best first step. Regular visits to your
doctor and taking medications as prescribed are also very important.
... There is no cure, but there are effective methods of treatment, which
can slow the progression of the disease and allow for a normal life.
... Flare-ups of emphysema can be reduced or prevented.