General
copd
What does copd mean?
A long-term lung disease, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, that causes airflow obstruction and breathlessness.
"Known COPD, now wheezing and hypoxic — start a neb."
Origin
Initialism of 'chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.'
Frequently asked questions
What does COPD stand for?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease — a group of long-term lung conditions, mainly emphysema and chronic bronchitis, that block airflow and cause breathlessness.
How is COPD used in clinical shorthand?
It's used in charts and handoffs to flag a patient's lung disease, as in 'known COPD, now wheezing and hypoxic.'
What causes COPD?
It's most often caused by long-term smoking, though air pollution and certain genetic factors can contribute.
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