COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a serious lung disease that, over time, makes it hard to breathe. It is the 4th leading cause of death in the United States and causes serious, long-term disability. The number of people with COPD is increasing. More than 12 million people are currently diagnosed with COPD and an additional 12 million likely have the disease and don't even know it.
You may have heard COPD called other names, like emphysema or chronic bronchitis. In people who have COPD, the airways—tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs—are partly blocked, which makes it hard to get air in and out.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has developed a national campaign—Learn More Breathe Better —to increase awareness and understanding of COPD and its risk factors and to underscore the benefits of early detection and treatment in slowing the disease and improving the quality of life.
- Be aware of the risk factors
- Ask your doctor about a simple breathing test
If you …
- have shortness of breath, chronic cough, or have trouble performing simple daily tasks like climbing stairs, grocery shopping, or laundry;
- are over age 40 and currently smoke or used to smoke;
- have worked or lived around chemicals or fumes;
- have certain genetic conditions
…you could be at risk for COPD.
- Talk with your healthcare provider about shortness of breath, chronic cough, or decline in activity level.
- Get a simple breathing test, also known as spirometry.
- Quit smoking. Need help? Talk to your doctor.
- Avoid pollutants or fumes that can irritate your lungs.
- Take medication as directed by your doctor.
- Enroll in a pulmonary rehabilitation program.
- Avoid pollutants or fumes that can irritate your lungs.
- Get flu and pneumonia shots as directed by your doctor.
For more information about COPD Awareness Month, please visit
www.learnaboutcopd.org.