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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Related Diseases & Conditions

Medical conditions are often related to other diseases and conditions. Our doctors have compiled a list of ailments related to the topic of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). These conditions may be a cause or symptom of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or be a condition for which you may be at increased risk.

  • Lung Cancer Lung cancer kills more men and women than any other form of cancer. Eight out of 10 lung cancers are due to tobacco smoke. Lung...learn more »
    In This Article
    Lung Cancer Article
    • What is lung cancer?
    • How common is lung cancer?
    • What causes lung cancer?
    • What are the types of lung cancer?
    • What are lung cancer symptoms and signs?
    • How is lung cancer diagnosed?
    • What is staging of lung cancer?
    • What is the treatment for lung cancer?
    • What is the prognosis (outcome) of lung cancer?
    • How can lung cancer be prevented?
    • Lung Cancer At A Glance
  • Pneumonia Pneumonia is inflammation of one or both lungs with consolidation. Pneumonia is frequently but not always due to infection. The...learn more »
    In This Article
    Pneumonia Article
    • Pneumonia facts
    • What is pneumonia?
    • How do people "catch pneumonia"?
    • What are pneumonia symptoms and signs?
    • How is pneumonia diagnosed?
    • What are some of the organisms that cause pneumonia? What is the treatment for pneumonia? Can pneumonia be prevented?
    • What is the prognosis of pneumonia?
  • Acute Bronchitis Bronchitis is a disease of the respiratory system in which the bronchial passages become inflamed. There are two types of...learn more »
    In This Article
    Acute Bronchitis Article
    • What is acute bronchitis?
    • What causes acute bronchitis?
    • What are the risk factors for acute bronchitis?
    • What are the symptoms of acute bronchitis?
    • When does a cold become acute bronchitis?
    • When should I call my doctor about my cough?
    • How is acute bronchitis diagnosed?
    • What are the treatments for acute bronchitis?
    • Can I treat acute bronchitis at home?
    • What are the complications of acute bronchitis?
    • Acute Bronchitis At A Glance
  • Chronic Cough Chronic cough is a cough that does not go away and is generally a symptom of another disorder such as asthma, allergic rhinitis,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Chronic Cough Article
    • What is chronic cough?
    • What are causes of chronic cough?
    • How is chronic cough treated?
    • Are there home remedies for chronic cough?
    • Can chronic cough be prevented?
  • Polycythemia (High Red Blood Cell Count) Polycythemia (elevated red blood cell count) causes are either primary (aquired or genetic mutations) or secondary (diseases,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Polycythemia (High Red Blood Cell Count) Article
    • What is polycythemia?
    • What are normal ranges of hematocrit, red cell counts, and hemoglobin?
    • What causes polycythemia?
    • What are the causes of primary polycythemia?
    • What are the common causes of secondary polycythemia?
    • Can other sources of erythropoietin (EPO) cause polycythemia?
    • What is relative polycythemia?
    • What is stress polycythemia?
    • What are the risk factors for polycythemia?
    • What are the symptoms of polycythemia?
    • When should I see a doctor about polycythemia?
    • How is polycythemia diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for polycythemia?
    • What are the complications of polycythemia?
    • Can polycythemia be prevented?
    • What is the outlook (prognosis) for polycythemia?
    • Polycythemia At A Glance
  • Chest Pain Chest pain is a common complaint by a patient in the ER. Causes of chest pain include broken or bruised ribs, pleurisy,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Chest Pain Article
    • Introduction
    • What are the sources of chest pain?
    • What are the symptoms and causes of chest pain?
    • How is chest pain diagnosed?
    • What is the philosophy of the approach to chest pain diagnosis?
    • What is the diagnosis and treatment for cause of chest pain?
    • Broken or bruised ribs
    • Costochondritis
    • Pleuritis or Pleurisy
    • Pneumothorax
    • Shingles
    • Pneumonia
    • Pulmonary embolism
    • Angina and heart attack
    • Pericarditis
    • Aorta and aortic dissection
    • Esophagus and reflux esophagitis
    • Referred abdominal pain
    • Chest Pain At A Glance
  • Emphysema Emphysema is a progressive disease of the lungs. The primary cause of emphysema is smoking. Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency is a...learn more »
    In This Article
    Emphysema Article
    • Emphysema facts
    • Introduction to emphysema
    • What is emphysema?
    • What are the causes or risk factors for emphysema?
    • What are symptoms of emphysema?
    • How is emphysema diagnosed?
    • Physical examination
    • Exams and tests
    • What are the stages of emphysema?
    • What is the treatment for emphysema?
    • Smoking cessation
    • Medications for emphysema
    • Pulmonary rehabilitation for emphysema
    • Surgery
    • What is the prognosis and life-expectancy of a person with emphysema?
  • Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs) Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are premature heartbeats originating from the ventricles of the heart. PVCs are...learn more »
    In This Article
    Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs) Article
    • What are premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)?
    • What happens during a premature ventricular contraction?
    • How common are premature ventricular contractions?
    • What causes premature ventricular contractions?
    • What are premature ventricular contraction symptoms?
    • What are the dangers of premature ventricular contractions?
    • How is premature ventricular contraction diagnosed?
    • What are the treatments for premature ventricular contractions?
  • Asthma Asthma is a common disorder in which chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes (bronchi) makes them swell, narrowing the...learn more »
    In This Article
    Asthma Article
    • Myths, facts, and statistics about asthma
    • What is asthma?
    • From the past to the present
    • The scope of the problem
    • Normal bronchial tubes
    • How does asthma affect breathing?
    • The importance of inflammation
    • Which triggers cause an asthma attack?
    • Allergens
    • Irritants
    • The many faces of asthma
    • Types: allergic (extrinsic) and nonallergic (intrinsic) asthma
    • Typical asthma symptoms and signs
    • Acute asthma attack
    • What medications are used in the treatment of asthma?
    • Asthma At A Glance
  • Pulmonary Hypertension Pulmonary hypertension is an abnormal elevation of the pressure in the pulmonary circulation caused by the constriction of the...learn more »
    In This Article
    Pulmonary Hypertension Article
    • What are pulmonary arteries?
    • What is pulmonary hypertension?
    • What are primary and secondary pulmonary hypertension?
    • What causes pulmonary hypertension?
    • What causes primary pulmonary hypertension?
    • How common is pulmonary hypertension?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of pulmonary hypertension?
    • How is pulmonary hypertension diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for pulmonary hypertension?
    • What is the life expectancy for pulmonary hypertension?
    • Related pulmonary hypertension article:
      Pulmonary Hypertension - on eMedicineHealth
  • Pneumothorax A pneumothorax is free air in the chest outside the lung, that causes the lung to collapse (collapsed lung). There are two types...learn more »
    In This Article
    Pneumothorax Article
    • Pneumothorax facts
    • What is a pneumothorax?
    • What are the types of pneumothorax?
    • What are the causes of pneumothorax?
    • Who is at risk for pneumothorax?
    • What is a tension pneumothorax?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of pneumothorax?
    • How is pneumothorax diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for pneumothorax?
    • What is the outcome (prognosis) of pneumothorax?
  • Chronic Bronchitis Chronic bronchitis is a cough that occurs daily with production of sputum that lasts for at least three months, two years in a...learn more »
    In This Article
    Chronic Bronchitis Article
    • Chronic Bronchitis Facts
    • What is bronchitis?
    • What is acute bronchitis?
    • What are the symptoms of acute bronchitis?
    • What is chronic bronchitis?
    • What are the causes of chronic bronchitis?
    • What are the risk factors for chronic bronchitis?
    • What are the symptoms of chronic bronchitis?
    • When should an individual seek medical care for chronic bronchitis?
    • How is chronic bronchitis diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for chronic bronchitis?
    • What are the complications of chronic bronchitis?
    • Can chronic bronchitis be prevented?
    • What is the outlook (prognosis) for chronic bronchitis?
  • Interstitial Lung Disease Interstitial lung disease, is a term to describe a certain lung condition. Causes of interstitial lung disease include lung...learn more »
    In This Article
    Interstitial Lung Disease Article
    • What is interstitial lung disease?
    • What causes interstitial lung disease?
    • What are the symptoms of interstitial lung disease?
    • How is interstitial lung disease diagnosed?
    • How is interstitial lung disease treated?
  • Fatigue Fatigue can be described in various ways. Sometimes fatigue is described as feeling a lack of energy and motivation (both mental...learn more »
    In This Article
    Fatigue Article
    • Fatigue Facts
    • Fatigue introduction
    • What causes fatigue?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of fatigue?
    • How is the cause of fatigue diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for fatigue?
    • Can fatigue be prevented?
  • Coma Coma is the inability to waken or react to the surrounding environment. The Glasgow Coma Scale is frequently used to measure the...learn more »
    In This Article
    Coma Article
    • What is a "coma"?
    • What is the Glasgow Coma Scale?
    • What are the causes of a coma?
    • Trauma
    • Bleeding (Hemorrhage)
    • Epidural, subdural, and subarachnoid hemorrhages
    • Tumors
    • Swelling
    • Infection
    • Lack of oxygen
    • Hypoglycemic coma
    • Poisons
    • How is coma assessed?
    • What tests are there for coma?
    • What is the outcome and prognosis for a patient in a coma?
    • Induced Coma
  • Bronchiectasis Bronchiectasis is a condition in which the bronchial tubes of the lung become damaged. Inflammation from infection or other...learn more »
    In This Article
    Bronchiectasis Article
    • What is bronchiectasis?
    • What causes bronchiectasis?
    • What are the symptoms of bronchiectasis?
    • When should you seek medical care for bronchiectasis?
    • How is bronchiectasis diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for bronchiectasis?
    • What are the complications of bronchiectasis?
    • What is the prognosis for bronchiectasis?
    • Bronchiectasis At A Glance
  • Smoker's Lung: Pathology Photo Essay Smoker's lung photo essay is a collection of pictures and microscopic slides of lung disease caused by cigarette smoking....learn more »
    In This Article
    Smoker's Lung: Pathology Photo Essay Article
    • Smoker's lung introduction
    • What is the structure of the normal lung?
    • What processes determine normal function of the lung?
    • What are the abnormalities (diseases) in smoker's lung?
    • What happens to the lung in emphysema?
    • How does emphysema come about?
    • Why does smoker's lung look black?
    • What happens to the airways in chronic bronchitis?
    • Are smokers with COPD predisposed to developing pneumonia?
    • What about lung cancer in smokers?
    • Are any of the pulmonary consequences of smoking reversible?
    • From what do smokers die?
  • ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a lung condition in which trauma to the lungs leads to inflammation of the lungs,...learn more »
    In This Article
    ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) Article
    • ARDS facts
    • What is ARDS?
    • ARDS overview
    • What are other names for ARDS?
    • What causes ARDS?
    • Who is at risk for ARDS?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of ARDS?
    • How is ARDS diagnosed?
    • How is ARDS treated?
    • What is the prognoisis of ARDS?
  • Asthma Medications There are two types of asthma medications: long-term control with anti-inflammatory drugs and quick relief from bronchodilators....learn more »
    In This Article
    Asthma Medications Article
    • What are long-term control asthma medications?
    • What are quick-relief asthma medications?
    • How are inhalers, nebulizers, and pills used as asthma medicines?
    • How is theophylline used in the treatment of asthma?
    • Are there over-the-counter asthma drugs?
    • Can allergy shots be used to treat asthma?
    • How frequently will I have to take asthma medicines?
    • What are the guidelines for asthma medications?
  • Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is an inherited disorder that may cause liver and lung disease in adults. Signs and symptoms...learn more »
    In This Article
    Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Article
    • What is alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of lung disease caused by alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency?
    • How common is alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency?
    • What genes are related to alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency?
    • How do people inherit alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency?
    • Where can I find information about treatment for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency?
    • What other names do people use for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency?
  • Nicotine Nicotine is delivered to the brain through smoking, chewing, or sniffing tobacco. Nicotine is an addictive agent. Common names...learn more »
    In This Article
    Nicotine Article
    • What is nicotine?
    • What are the common street names for nicotine?
    • How is nicotine used?
    • How many teens use nicotine?
    • What are the common effects of nicotine?
    • Tobacco kills
    • Can nicotine make me nervous or depressed?
  • Asthma Complexities There are many unusual symptoms of asthma, including sighing, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, chronic cough, recurrent walking...learn more »
    In This Article
    Asthma Complexities Article
    • Unusual symptoms of asthma
    • Can a cough without wheezing be due to asthma?
    • Nocturnal asthma
    • Masqueraders of asthma
      • Cardiac asthma
      • Other bronchial conditions
      • Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD)
      • Other hypersensitivity reactions
  • Lung Anatomy The lungs are primarily responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air we breathe and the blood....learn more »
    In This Article
    Lung Anatomy Article
    • Lung anatomy facts
    • What are the lungs?
    • What does breathing accomplish?
    • What is the structure of the respiratory system?
    • How is air moved into and out of the lungs during respiration?
    • How does gas exchange occur?
    • What are other important events during the breathing cycle?
  • Secondhand Smoke Secondhand smoke can cause illness and disease in nonsmokers. Some of these conditions include lung cancer, heart disease,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Secondhand Smoke Article
    • What is secondhand smoke?
    • What causes secondhand smoke?
    • What are the health risks of secondhand smoke?
    • Lung cancer and secondhand smoke
    • Cardiovascular disease and secondhand smoke
    • Other lung diseases and secondhand smoke
    • Secondhand smoke and other effects on children
    • Secondhand smoke and the effects on pregnant women
    • Secondhand smoke and the possible link to breast cancer
    • Is there a safe level of secondhand smoke?
    • What is thirdhand smoke?
    • What can be done about secondhand smoke exposure?
    • Secondhand Smoke At A Glance
  • Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis, and Colds If you have a COPD such as emphysema, avoiding chronic bronchitis and colds is important to avoid a more severe respiratory...learn more »
    In This Article
    Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis, and Colds Article
    • Introduction
    • What is emphysema and chronic bronchitis?
    • What happens with emphysema and chronic bronchitis and colds?
    • Why should I take colds seriously with emphysema or chronic bronchitis?
    • Which cold treatment should I use with emphysema or chronic bronchitis?
    • Can I prevent colds if I have emphysema or chronic bronchitis?