COPD is an acronym derived from the term: 'Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease'. It is a protracted and slowly progressive lung disease associated with narrowing of the airways.
This gradually reduces the airflow in the windpipes and makes it more difficult to transport the air to the lungs. There is especially obstruction during exhalation, which is irreversible after several years. The typical age of onset for COPD is after the age of 45.
The symptoms include coughing, increased mucous production and shortness of breath with wheezing. In 90% of people who suffer from it, COPD is the result of years of smoking. For this reason, it is also referred to as smoker's lung.
More than 600,000 Belgians suffer from COPD, but less than half of them are clearly diagnosed with the disease, because it is an insidious disease. A spirometry or pulmonary function test is therefore a strongly recommended preventive screening test.
See our brochure here
Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you.
