Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease



Part of the SWHR Women’s Health Dashboard

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease & Women’s Health 

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a group of progressive lung diseases that cause damage to the lungs and airflow blockage, resulting in difficulty breathing. Chronic bronchitis irritates the bronchial tubes responsible for transporting air through the lungs, resulting in swelling and mucus buildup in the lining of the tissue. Emphysema is damage to the walls of the alveoli, which transfer oxygen and carbon dioxide between blood vessels and the lung – most individuals exhibit symptoms of both conditions. The inflammation and airway obstruction characterized in COPD often result from contributions from both bronchitis and emphysema. As COPD progresses, over time, it becomes harder to breathe and transport oxygen to the body’s tissues.  

Tobacco smoke and exposure to air pollutants in the home and workplace are common factors associated with the development and progression of COPD. Cigarette smoking is an established risk factor and the leading cause of COPD [1].  

The information presented below has been curated from 2018 data, unless otherwise stated. 

 

 

DISEASE BURDEN

DISEASE PREVALENCE AND MORTALITY

DISEASE IMPACTS AND INFLUENCES

RESOURCES AND REFERENCES

 

Part of the SWHR Women’s Health Dashboard

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease & Women’s Health 

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a group of progressive lung diseases that cause damage to the lungs and airflow blockage, resulting in difficulty breathing. Chronic bronchitis irritates the bronchial tubes responsible for transporting air through the lungs, resulting in swelling and mucus buildup in the lining of the tissue. Emphysema is damage to the walls of the alveoli, which transfer oxygen and carbon dioxide between blood vessels and the lung – most individuals exhibit symptoms of both conditions. The inflammation and airway obstruction characterized in COPD often result from contributions from both bronchitis and emphysema. As COPD progresses, over time, it becomes harder to breathe and transport oxygen to the body’s tissues.  

Tobacco smoke and exposure to air pollutants in the home and workplace are common factors associated with the development and progression of COPD. Cigarette smoking is an established risk factor and the leading cause of COPD [1].  

The information presented below has been curated from 2018 data, unless otherwise stated. 

 

 

DISEASE BURDEN

DISEASE PREVALENCE AND MORTALITY

DISEASE IMPACTS AND INFLUENCES

RESOURCES AND REFERENCES