This is to allow people who suspect they may have contracted the virus to get immediate medical attention, as it can be fatal.
What is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
It is a progressive and potentially fatal lung disease characterized by a persistent reduction in airflow that is initially associated with effort but increases over time until it occurs even at rest.
What are the symptoms?
Severe difficulty breathing (shortness of breath)
Cough and expectoration (mucus can last for days to weeks)
A cough attack that becomes severe enough to require emergency medical care (including hospitalization)
How is COPD detected?
The disease is suspected in people with the above symptoms and confirmed with a test called spirometry, which measures how much air can be exhaled at maximum effort and how quickly the air is exhaled.
Why does COPD occur?
The main cause of this condition is exposure to tobacco smoke, whether by active or passive smokers. In addition, other risk factors are: indoor air pollution, such as wood smoke and heating; outdoor air pollution; occupational exposure to dust and chemicals, such as vapors, irritants and gases; and recurrent lower respiratory tract infections in childhood.
