- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Ongoing cough—often with mucus
- Tightness in chest
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Fatigue
COPD: A Treatable Lung Disease
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a group of lung diseases that cause limited airflow and breathing-related symptoms. Roughly 11.7 million adults in the U.S. are living with COPD. The most common examples of COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Smoking is the leading cause of COPD, but one in four people with COPD have never smoked. Although it is a condition that can get worse over time, COPD is treatable.
Common Causes
COPD is most commonly caused by long-term exposure to lung irritants including:
- Smoking or second hand smoking.
- Workplace dust and chemicals, such as those in mining, manufacturing and construction.
- Exposure to high levels of air pollutants.
Other causes include:
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AATD) deficiency – a rare genetic disorder.
- Asthma can increase the risk for developing COPD.
Symptoms of COPD include:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Ongoing cough—often with mucus
- Tightness in chest
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Fatigue
Individuals with COPD have an increased risk of heart disease and lung cancer, and are more susceptible to colds, the flu and pneumonia.
Supporting Lung Health
COPD patients can manage their symptoms and improve lung health in multiple ways.
- Quit smoking to slow disease progression and reduce the risk of complications.
- Limit exposure to air pollutants by wearing protective equipment in hazardous conditions. Air purifiers also help reduce air pollutants in indoor spaces.
- Stay active with regular exercise. Physical activity strengthens the lungs and helps ensure overall well-being.
- Pulmonary rehabilitation programs combine exercise, education and support for COPD patients. It is a treatment program that can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life.
In many cases, COPD is avoidable by taking the right actions to protect your lungs from damage. If you’re experiencing symptoms of COPD, talk with your doctor and find out if you need to see a specialist.