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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Find out what chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is, what the symptoms are, why it happens and how it's treated.

Find out about the main treatments for COPD, including inhalers, medicine and surgery in rare cases.

Find out about the main symptoms of COPD, including shortness of breath, a persistent cough and wheezing.

Find out about the main tests used to diagnose COPD, including breathing tests, an X-ray and blood tests.

Find out about the main causes of COPD, including smoking and exposure to dust or fumes at work.

Read about bronchodilators, a medication used to treat asthma and COPD by relaxing the muscles in the lungs and widening the airways (bronchi).

Find advice about living with COPD, including information about staying healthy, flying and financial support.

Find out about bronchitis, what the symptoms are, how you can ease the symptoms, where to get help, and how it is treated.

Read about the main tests used to help diagnose idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), including breathing tests and scans.

NHS medicines information on tiotropium inhalers – what they're used for, side effects, dosage and who can use them.