15 Best Doctors for Copd available in Kolkata

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease that leads to airflow obstruction in the swollen lungs. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are most common forms of COPD.

COPD is usually distinguished by the following symptoms:
- Dyspnea
- Cough
- Chest tightness
- Production of sputum
- Wheezing
- Fatigue or weight loss

The causes of COPD are as follows:
- Smoking
- Air pollution, dust, smoke, chemicals
- Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency
- Genetics

COPD is diagnosed by
- Careful assessment of signs/symptoms and medical history
- Physical examination
- Chest x-ray
- CT scan
- Pulmonary function test

COPD is not same as asthma. In asthma, there is normal breathing in between the attacks whereas in COPD, breathing does not return to normal and symptoms are more severe than asthma. Asthma has an allergic aetiology, whereas COPD is mainly caused by smoking.