Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name for a group of lung conditions that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD makes it harder to move air in and out of your lungs, so you can get breathless. You might cough and bring up phlegm (sputum) too.

About COPD

This information is for people living with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It might also be useful for friends, families and carers, along with our advice and support for people who are caring for somebody with a lung condition.

What is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Find out what chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is, including the causes, symptoms and impact on your life.

Chronic bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is one of the lung conditions that makes up chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Emphysema

Emphysema is one of the lung conditions that makes up chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

How is COPD diagnosed?

Find out how all types of COPD are diagnosed, including what your GP should ask you, what tests you will need and what COPD stages are.

Woman with sunglasses standing in allotment

Severe COPD

COPD is a progressive condition that gets worse over time. Find out more about severe cases of COPD, including severe symptoms and how to manage severe COPD.

Treatments and medicines for COPD

Although there is no cure for COPD, there are a lot of treatments and medicines that can improve your symptoms and reduce the risk of flare-ups (exacerbations).

What can you do to manage your COPD?

Find out about different ways you can manage your COPD to improve your quality of life. This page has ways to manage all types of COPD.

Lung volume reduction (LVR)

Find out what lung volume reduction is, what the procedures are and who can benefit from them.

What is a COPD flare-up (exacerbation)?

A flare-up is when your COPD symptoms are suddenly worse. You might call this an exacerbation. Find out about how to prevent and manage COPD flare-ups.

COPD resources and support

Many people with COPD tell us they would like more help to understand and manage their condition. We would recommend that everyone with COPD should use our: