COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
COPD describes a group of lung conditions that make it difficult to empty air out of the lungs because the airways have become narrowed. In this section you will find information about what COPD is, the symptoms you might get, and how it’s diagnosed and treated.
We have also included tips about controlling breathing and how to manage flare-ups, also called exacerbations.
- What is COPD?
- How is COPD diagnosed?
- What treatments work?
- Managing your COPD
- Managing COPD flare-ups
Have you just been diagnosed? Read our overview to help you find the information you need.
Find support in your area
More people have COPD in the north of the UK than the south
The number of people being diagnosed with COPD is falling
The less well-off you are, the more likely you are to get COPD
Nearly 40% of calls to our helpline are about COPD