COPD is a chronic lung disease that is strongly linked to cigarette smoking. Other types of tobacco smoking, including pipes, cigars and water pipes, and smoking marijuana are also risk factors. 

Additional risk factors for COPD include exposure to second-hand smoke and air pollutants (air pollution, chemical fumes or dust), genetics/family history and advancing age. 

COPD symptoms can vary widely from patient to patient. The most common symptoms are chronic cough, saliva and mucus production, shortness of breath (especially with exertion) and fatigue. 

Symptoms often progress slowly over time or may come and go in people with milder stages of COPD. Symptoms can also suddenly worsen (called acute exacerbation). 

COPD is most commonly linked to smoking, but even non-smokers can get COPD. Risk factors for developing COPD include:

• Smoking cigarettes
• Exposure to second-hand smoke or other lung irritants, such as smoke from a fire or fireplace
• Long-term exposure to chemical fumes and agents
• Asthma and chronic bronchitis
• Recurrent respiratory infections
• Genetic factors
• Age and gender

Your doctor may test you for COPD if you have problems with shortness of breath, chronic cough, mucous production or recurrent respiratory infections. 

COPD and asthma have similar symptoms, but they’re separate and unique lung conditions. Here’s how to know the difference:

COPD

• Usually diagnosed after the age of 40
• Symptoms persist despite treatment
• History of exposure to lung irritants, such as tobacco smoke
• Symptoms get worse over time
• Chest X-ray shows lung changes

ASTHMA

• Usually starts before the age of 20
• Is common in those with a family history of asthma or allergies
• Symptoms tend to come and go
• Symptoms respond to bronchodilator treatment or steroid treatment
• Chest X-ray is normal

It’s important to get a correct diagnosis, because COPD symptoms of cough and shortness of breath are also symptoms of asthma. Talk to your Pure pharmacist or doctor about a referral to a pulmonologist, a doctor who specialises in lung conditions and diseases.