Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD); It is a common, preventable, and treatable disease characterized by persistent airway stenosis, which is usually progressive, associated with an increased chronic inflammatory response of the airways and lungs to harmful gases and particles.

Concomitant diseases such as heart failure-diabetes-obesity can increase the severity of COPD.

Smoking – poverty – chronic bronchitis – organic and inorganic occupational dust and chemical exposure – outdoor and indoor air pollution – respiratory tract infections – genetic factors are risk factors for the formation of COPD.

Chest radiography and pulmonary function tests are used for diagnosis. In the advanced stages of the disease, respiratory failure may develop.

COPD – particularly the emphysema subtype is a risk factor for lung cancer.

Bronchodilators to reduce the narrowing of the bronchi in the treatment. Corticosteroids are used to suppress inflammation.

However, the most basic treatment for the disease is smoking cessation.

Long-term oxygen therapy is recommended when respiratory failure develops, and respiratory physiotherapy is recommended at all stages of COPD.

Treatments such as surgery and/or bronchial valve-coil and thermal steam ablation can be applied in the emphysema subgroup.