COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease — chronic bronchitis and emphysema

COPD is a long-term lung disease that makes it harder to breathe out. It develops slowly, mostly from smoking or years of breathing smoke from wood or dung fires, and causes cough and breathlessness that worsen over time. Treatment cannot undo lung damage, but it can ease breathing, reduce flare-ups and keep you active. Pulmonologists at Charak Hospital, Lucknow treat COPD.

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Pulmonologists Spirometry Pulmonary rehabilitation with physiotherapy ICU and ventilator support for severe flare-ups

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About COPD

What is COPD?

COPD includes chronic bronchitis (long-term inflammation of the airways with mucus) and emphysema (damage to the air sacs). Air gets trapped in the lungs, so you feel short of breath, especially on exertion.

  • Smoking (including bidi and hookah) is the main cause
  • Smoke from chulhas, dust and fumes at work also cause COPD
  • Symptoms usually start after the age of 40
  • Flare-ups are often triggered by infections and pollution
  • Stopping smoking slows further damage at any stage

Stop smoke

The single most important step.

Inhalers

Open the airways and reduce flare-ups.

Pulmonary rehab

Exercise and breathing training.

Vaccines

Flu and pneumonia vaccines reduce infections.

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Symptoms

Symptoms of COPD

Symptoms worsen slowly over years.

Breathlessness

At first on stairs or walking fast, later with daily tasks.

Long-term cough

Often called a smoker’s cough.

Mucus

Phlegm, especially in the morning.

Wheezing

A whistling sound when breathing.

Tiredness

Low energy.

Weight loss

In advanced COPD.

Ankle swelling

In advanced disease affecting the heart.

Frequent chest infections

Especially in winter.

Severe breathlessness, blue lips, confusion or drowsiness during a flare-up need emergency care. Call 0522-666-4444. Call 0522-666-4444.

Diagnosis

How COPD is diagnosed

Spirometry confirms COPD.

History

Smoking, smoke exposure and symptoms.

Spirometry

Shows airflow obstruction that does not fully reverse with an inhaler.

Chest X-ray or CT

To check for emphysema and other problems.

Oxygen level

Pulse oximetry and, if needed, blood gas test.

Heart tests

ECG and echo in advanced disease.

Treatment

Treatment

Treatment is tailored to your symptoms and flare-up history.

Inhalers

Long-acting inhalers open the airways for 12 to 24 hours. Some patients also need a steroid component.

Daily long-acting inhalerReliever for symptomsSpacer or nebuliser if needed

Technique

  • Ask us to check technique every visit
  • Use as prescribed even on good days

Also

  • Medicines for mucus in some patients
  • Antibiotics and steroids only for flare-ups as advised
Everyday care

Living with COPD

General guidance — always follow the advice your own doctor gives you.

Stop smoking

Ask us for help to quit; it is never too late.

Cooking smoke

Use LPG or a well-ventilated kitchen; avoid chulha smoke.

Pollution

On high-pollution days, stay indoors and keep your reliever close.

Vaccines

Yearly flu vaccine and pneumonia vaccine as advised.

Contact us urgently if

  • Breathlessness much worse than usual
  • Blue lips or fingers
  • Confusion or drowsiness
  • Fever with change in sputum colour
0522-666-4444
Myths & facts

Myths about COPD

Tap a card to see the fact.

Myth

“COPD is just smoker’s cough.”

Tap to flip
Fact

It is a lung disease that worsens without treatment and quitting smoking.

Myth

“Quitting now will not help.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Stopping smoking slows lung damage at any stage.

Myth

“Exercise is dangerous with COPD.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Supervised exercise improves breathlessness and stamina.

Your chest team

Pulmonology and physiotherapy

Pulmonary & sleep medicine Asthma Physiotherapy
Practical help

What to bring, costs & insurance

A little preparation helps us help you faster.

What to bring to your visit

Tick off as you pack:

  • All inhalers and nebuliser medicines
  • Previous spirometry, X-ray or CT reports
  • List of medicines
  • Insurance or Ayushman card

Costs & insurance

Costs depend on the tests and treatment you need and the length of any hospital stay. Ask our team for a written estimate.

  • ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
  • ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
  • ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
  • ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.

*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.

Call 0522-666-4444
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Can COPD be cured?

Lung damage does not reverse, but treatment improves breathing, reduces flare-ups and helps you stay active.

Is COPD the same as asthma?

No. They can look similar, but COPD usually starts later in life, is linked to smoke exposure and does not fully reverse with inhalers.

Do I need oxygen at home?

Only if tests show low oxygen levels. Your doctor will advise.

Can women who never smoked get COPD?

Yes, from years of cooking smoke and other exposures.

Glossary

Words you may hear

EmphysemaDamage to the air sacs of the lungs.
Chronic bronchitisLong-term airway inflammation with mucus.
FEV1The amount of air breathed out in one second on spirometry.
BiPAPA mask machine that supports breathing.

No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.

Related pages

Related departments and guides

Pulmonary & sleep medicine Asthma Pneumonia Physiotherapy Health library

Breathless on stairs?

Book a lung check with our pulmonology team. Call 0522-666-4444.

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Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.

About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Institute of Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine, Charak Hospital & Research Centre ·  Last updated: October 2026

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