What is COPD?

COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is an umbrella term for two primary conditions: chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Both conditions make it harder to breathe air in and push air out. This means the body either has a hard time getting enough oxygen or too much carbon dioxide remains in the body.

icon-eyebrow-information-black

Understanding COPD lung diseases

ventilation-what-is-copd-small-lungs-icon

Chronic bronchitis is a progressive lung disease that involves inflammation, increased mucus and thickening of the airways. 1 Source: “COPD symptoms and causes,” Mayo Clinic, updated August 11, 2017, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/symptoms-causes/syc-20353679

ventilation-what-is-copd-alveoli-icon

Emphysema causes the alveoli - the small air sacs in the lungs that provide oxygen to the bloodstream - to thin and become and less elastic. 2 Source: “COPD symptoms and causes,” Mayo Clinic, updated August 11, 2017, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/symptoms-causes/syc-20353679

icon-eyebrow-question-mark-white

How is COPD treated?

There is no cure for COPD but there are treatment options and lifestyle changes that can help you remain active, breathe easier and slow the progress of the disease.

Finding the right treatment for your symptoms is crucial. Medication, exercise, oxygen therapy and ventilation can help. Talk to your doctor about your treatment options.

How does a ResMed ventilator benefit my therapy?

Designed for excellence in noninvasive ventilation, ResMed’s ventilators offer you a range of unique therapy benefits.

Is your condition not allowing enough carbon dioxide to be exhaled from your body?

  • Responds to you: ResMed ventilators sense when you breathe in and out, matching their rhythm to yours.
  • Responds to your condition: The adjustable settings can be customised to your individual needs.
  • Improves your quality of life: ResMed's range of ventilators have been specially designed for whisper-quiet therapy and to help improve your quality of life.

ResMed's ventilation technology

Featured products

ventilation-global-AirCurve-10-ST-A

Lumis 150

This bilevel device provides non-invasive ventilation during sleep.

Learn more
ventilation-global-astral-150-angled

Astral

Lightweight and portable non-invasive ventilation for life support.

Learn more
ventilation-global-stellar

Stellar

A portable ventilation option for both invasive and non-invasive use.

Learn more
icon-eyebrow-compass-black

Keep exploring

What is COPD?

Learn about COPD and available treatment options.

Read More

What is mechanical ventilation, non-invasive and invasive?

Find out what your options are if you need mechanical ventilation.  

Read More

Traveling with a ventilator 

You can still travel with a ventilator, it’s all about planning ahead.

Read More

References

1

Source: “COPD symptoms and causes,” Mayo Clinic, updated August 11, 2017, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/symptoms-causes/syc-20353679

1

Source: “COPD symptoms and causes,” Mayo Clinic, updated August 11, 2017, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/symptoms-causes/syc-20353679

2

Source: “The difference between emphysema and chronic bronchitis,” Lung Institute, November 5, 2014, https://lunginstitute.com/blog/difference-between-emphysema-and-chronic-bronchitis/.

© ResMed All rights reserved