Causes and Types of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Emphysema and bronchitis are types of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Here's more information on the causes and types of COPD.
Transcript: Causes and Types of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Normal Breathing
During normal respiration, air travels through the nose, down the trachea, and into smaller and smaller airways called bronchi. The bronchi divide into bronchioles and finally into tiny grape-like clusters of thin, fragile sacs called alveoli.What Is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, refers to a group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems.Types of COPD
Emphysema
Emphysema is a disease that destroys the alveoli and the alveolar ducts. As your lungs lose elasticity, the alveoli rupture, creating large airspaces that reduce the surface area needed by your body to absorb oxygen and remove carbon dioxide waste.Bronchitis
Bronchitis is the inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes. Chronic Bronchitis results from the persistent inflammation of these airways. Mucus is continually produced and over time, the lining of the bronchial tubes become thickened. This restricts the flow of air during breathing.Causes of COPD
COPD is caused by:- Tobacco
- Asthma
- Exposure to air pollutants in the home and workplace
- Genetic factors
- Respiratory infections
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