I have a relative that was diagnosed with COPD and I was wondering if anybody could explain to me exactly what it was and if there is a cure for it?

COPD is a lung disease in which the lungs are damage making it hard tp breathe. Cigarette smoking is the most common cause of COPD. There is no cure for this disease.

COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is a collective name for a group of diseases that causes narrowing of the airways. The diseases under this include chronic bronchitis and emphysema. There are treatments, like bronchodilators and low-flow oxygen, but these are only used to treat the symptoms and not the disease itself. Signs and symptoms worsen as COPD progresses. What's also sad about this is though the person with COPD is in constant need of oxygen, he can only be given a maximum of 3 liters per minute of oxygen via face mask because the lack of oxygen becomes his stimulus to breathe. In short, if you give him too much oxygen, he'll stop breathing.

COPD - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and as sandra says includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

With COPD your airways become blocked and thick making it difficult for you to breathe. Also, your air sacs lose their elasticity making it more difficult for you to get air in and out of your lungs.

COPD is caused by cigarete smoke,dust and air pollution. It could also be genetic.

The most common COPD symptoms are
cough that doesn't go away
lots of mucus in the cough
Shortness of breath and wheezing &
Tightness in the chest


First of all you need to stop smoking or inhaling second hand smoke. Then stay away from pollutants.
Normally prescribed medices include Bronchodilators, Corticosteroids, Antibiotics to help fight infections, Flu shots to prevent flu & Oxygen therapy


Most importantly - remember to eat well as you need the energy to just help you breath well. see your doctor regularly and try doing breathing exercises.