Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?
A pulmonologist, a doctor who treats lung diseases, often treats chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Many people are first diagnosed and followed by a primary care doctor. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a group of lung diseases that make it hard to breathe and get worse over time. In COPD, less air flows in and out of your airways. The walls of the airways may become thick and swollen, or the airways may make more mucus than usual and become clogged.
COPD includes two main types. Emphysema affects the air sacs in your lungs and the walls between them. Chronic bronchitis is when the lining of your airways is constantly irritated and swollen. Most people with COPD have both.
Symptoms
At first, you may have no symptoms or only mild symptoms. As the disease gets worse, symptoms usually become more severe. They can include:
- Frequent coughing or a cough that produces a lot of mucus.
- Wheezing, a whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe.
- Shortness of breath, especially with physical activity.
- Tightness in your chest.
- Fatigue, or extreme tiredness.
Some people with COPD get frequent respiratory infections, such as colds and the flu. In severe cases, COPD can cause weight loss, weakness in your lower muscles, and swelling in your ankles, feet, and legs.
Sometimes symptoms suddenly get worse. This is called a flare-up.
Causes and who gets it
The cause of COPD is usually long-term exposure to irritants that damage your lungs and airways. In the United States, cigarette smoke is the main cause. Secondhand smoke, air pollution, and chemical fumes or dusts from the environment or workplace can also contribute. Rarely, a genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can play a role.
Up to 75% of people who have COPD smoke or used to smoke. Most people who have COPD are at least 40 years old when their symptoms begin.
How doctors diagnose it
Your health care provider may ask about your symptoms, your medical history, and your family history.
Tests may include lung function tests, a chest x-ray, or a CT scan. Blood tests may include an arterial blood gas test or an alpha-1 antitrypsin test.
Treatment
There is no cure for COPD. However, treatments can help with symptoms, slow the progress of the disease, and improve your ability to stay active. Quitting smoking, if you smoke, is the most important step you can take.
Medicines include bronchodilators, which relax the muscles around your airways and make breathing easier. Most are taken through an inhaler. In more severe cases, the inhaler may also contain steroids to reduce swelling. Antibiotics are used if you get a bacterial lung infection. Vaccines for the flu and pneumococcal pneumonia matter because people with COPD are at higher risk for serious problems from these diseases. A new add-on medicine approved in 2024 may also help control the disease. Staying active as your condition allows can strengthen the muscles that help you breathe.
Other treatments include:
- Oxygen therapy, if you have severe COPD and low oxygen levels in your blood. Oxygen poses a fire risk, so never smoke or use flammable materials when using it.
- Pulmonary rehabilitation, a program that helps people who have chronic breathing problems. It may include exercise, disease management training, nutritional counseling, and psychological counseling.
- Surgery, usually as a last resort for severe symptoms that have not improved with medicines. For severe COPD, some people may need a lung transplant.
When to see a doctor
As soon as you notice symptoms of COPD, make an appointment to see a provider. Call your provider right away if your symptoms worsen suddenly.
Call 911 right away if you are having a hard time catching your breath or talking. Also call if your lips or fingernails turn blue or gray, if people notice you are not mentally alert, if your heartbeat is very fast, or if your treatment is not working.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either type of doctor can review your symptoms and order lung function tests. If you smoke, quitting is the most important step you can take to treat COPD.
Common questions
Can COPD be cured?
No, there is no cure for COPD. However, treatments can help with symptoms, slow the progress of the disease, and improve your ability to stay active.
Can COPD be prevented?
Mostly, yes. Smoking causes most cases of COPD, so the best way to prevent it is not to smoke. It is also important to try to avoid lung irritants such as secondhand smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes, and dusts.
What is a COPD flare-up?
A flare-up is a sudden worsening of COPD symptoms. With a flare-up, you have a harder time breathing. You may also have chest tightness or a fever. Call your provider right away if your symptoms worsen suddenly.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - COPD
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - COPD Symptoms
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - COPD Treatment
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
