Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name for a group of lung conditions that causes breathing difficulties, and includes damage to air sacs within lungs and long-term (chronic) inflammation of airways.
It can cause shortness of breath, persistent wheezing, a persistent chesty cough and frequent chest infections, and without treatment these symptoms can become worse over time. Smoking increases the risk of developing COPD.
Key Links
Additional Resources
National Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training (NCSCT)
