A group of long-term lung conditions, such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, whose symptoms get worse over time. Smoking is the most common cause.

COPD affects many Australians, particularly older Australians.
Heart failure, anxiety and depression are possible complications.
See your doctor if you are getting short of breath with less effort.

How it works

Symptoms include feeling breathless, a persistent cough, producing a lot of phlegm, tiredness, and chest infections that happen more often and take longer to get better. In the early stages there may be no symptoms. About 1 in every 4 or 5 people who smoke develop COPD, and people who used to smoke are still at risk. Other causes include passive smoking, pollution, fumes and dust, and some lung conditions, including asthma.

There is no cure, but treatment can slow the worsening of symptoms. Quitting smoking is the single most important step to limit lung damage. Inhaled medicines, pulmonary rehabilitation (an exercise and education programme), regular exercise, a yearly flu vaccine and a pneumococcal vaccine all help.

Looking after it

Call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance if someone is so short of breath they have difficulty talking, walking or sleeping, or has blue lips or nails, confusion or sleepiness.

Connections

7 connections on the map. Select a topic to read its page.

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) can cause

Shortness of breath
Feeling breathless is a main symptom of COPD.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Heart failure Supported
Heart failure is one of the possible complications of COPD.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) can be caused by

Smoking
Smoking is the most common cause of COPD, and about 1 in every 4 or 5 people who smoke develop it.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) affects

Lungs and breathing
COPD is a group of long-term lung conditions, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is linked with

Depression Supported
Anxiety and depression are listed as possible complications of COPD.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) can be raised by

Asthma Supported
Besides smoking, healthdirect lists asthma among the causes of COPD.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) can be eased by

Physical activity Supported
Regular exercise and pulmonary rehabilitation, an exercise and education programme, help people live with COPD.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Medicines and supplements

General education only. Never start, stop or change a medicine without your prescriber.

Asthma inhalers (relievers and preventers)Lungs

Sources

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)healthdirect Australia, last reviewed July 2025

Each connection above names its own source. See every source AskBioMap uses.

Summarised from healthdirect. Sources read on 19 October 2026. General education only, not medical advice. Spotted a mistake? Please tell us through the HuBu-Intel contact page.

In brief