Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name for a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties.

It includes:

• emphysema - damage to the air sacs in the lungs
  
• chronic bronchitis - long-term inflammation of the airways

COPD is a common condition that mainly affects middle-aged or older adults who smoke. Many people don't realise they have it and their breathing problems tend to get worse over time. This can lead to normal activties such as walking, running or other forms of exercise becoming limited and more difficult. However there is treatment that can help keep the conditions under control.

• HOW WE HELP PATIENTS
• The story behind the image
• From mountainside to bedside
• Learning from life at the limits
• Acute mountain sickness, HACE and HAPE
• Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
• Blue Baby Syndrome
• Congenital heart disease
• Cystic fibrosis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Oxygen deficiency
• Sepsis/septic shock
• Information about ICU and support offered