Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a broad term that covers a range of symptoms that affect breathing and the airways. Two conditions, chronic bronchitis and emphysema, can lead to irreparable damage to the lungs making breathing shallow and laboured.

COPD leads to the airways becoming damaged causing them to become narrower and it is harder for the patient to breathe in and out. Chronic bronchitis is characterised by inflamed bronchi, which increases mucus production, producing phlegm and associated cough. Emphysema is where the alveoli lose their elasticity, resulting in loss of structure and a reduction in available surface area for gaseous exchange. If severe it can lead to the patient having difficulty in absorbing sufficient oxygen.

The principle cause of COPD is damage and irritation of the airways caused by smoking. Occupational factors such as exposure to dust, chemicals, noxious gases and particles such as coal, isocyanates and cadmium or genetic problems such as alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency can also cause COPD, but in a minority of cases.

The most important lifestyle change for the COPD patient is to stop smoking. If the patient gives up smoking they will reduce airway damage and slow progression of the disease. Damage that has already occurred is irreversible, but when someone quits smoking further damage can be prevented.

Smoking cessation opportunities should be discussed during any patient intervention. It should be stressed that stopping smoking will have the biggest impact on their quality of life and the progression of the disease. Signpost to NHS support services or raise awareness of any smoking cessation service operated through the pharmacy.