Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP) is a lung condition of undetermined cause. A rare disorder, COP contributes to inflammation in the lungs and can eventually lead to scarring of lung tissue. Symptoms of COP can include:
COP can be treated with certain medications. In many cases, people with this lung condition make a full recovery. However, symptoms associated with COP can persist even after treatment, and it may take time to manage the disorder effectively.
It’s not entirely clear what causes COP. However, most people who develop COP are between 40 and 60 years of age. The following conditions can also increase a person’s risk of developing the disorder:
These conditions are known to cause inflammation, which is a feature of COP.
COP is most often treated with corticosteroids, which are drugs that help reduce inflammation. Corticosteroid treatment regimens can range from three to six months. It is important to take medications as instructed to prevent symptoms of COP from returning.
Doctors can also prescribe other medications if a person is unable to tolerate corticosteroids. This includes cytotoxic drugs, which target cells responsible for inflammation.
Because it is not entirely clear what causes COP, it is not possible to prevent the condition. However, timely diagnosis ensures that you can receive treatment as soon as possible. Visiting a doctor can also rule out other conditions, such as lung infections, that cause symptoms similar to those that result from COP.