COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, affects more than 30 million Americans, yet many have never heard of it. COPD is a serious lung condition. But with the right care and treatment, people with COPD can live healthier, more active lives.
What is COPD?
COPD includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Common symptoms are shortness of breath, fatigue, and chronic cough.
Emphysema is caused when the air sacs in the lungs are damaged. The sacs get larger and do not move oxygen to your blood as well. Air gets trapped in your lungs, making it harder to breathe.
A cough with mucus that lasts at least three months for two years is chronic bronchitis. Bronchitis causes irritation and inflammation to the bronchial tubes and damages the tiny hair-like fibers that help move mucus out of the lungs. The damage makes it more difficult to clear mucus from the lungs.
How do you get COPD?
Smoking is a major risk factor for developing COPD. But itÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s not the only cause. In fact, one in four people with COPD have never smoked.
Genetics or irritants like air pollution, smoke, and chemical fumes can also cause COPD. People who work around dust or smokeÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥”like coal workers, firefighters, and othersÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥”are also at risk.
How do you know you have COPD?
COPD is not the same for everyone. People with COPD may experience different symptoms, and the disease may progress at a different rate.
COPD is diagnosed through a lung function test called spirometry. The test measures how well your lungs are working.
Another good way to see if you should get tested for COPD? A birthday candle. Hold a birthday candle at armÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s length and try to blow it out. If itÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s a struggle, you should see a pulmonologist (lung doctor) to get tested.
Many people do not realize they have COPD or notice symptoms until itÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s already progressed. Early detection is important to help manage symptoms, slow the diseaseÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s progression, and improve your quality of life.
If you have a history of COPD in your family, have been exposed to lung irritants over a long period of time, or if you are a current or former smoker, you should ask your doctors about testing for COPD.
How do I stay active with COPD?
Exercising may seem difficult if you are feeling short of breath with COPD. But continuing to move can change the way you breathe, feel, and function. Exercise can help improve your quality of life. Even moving slowly for just a few minutes a day can help.
Pulmonary rehabilitation programs can help you breathe better. These classes help you learn more about your breathing, how to exercise safety and stay active, and ways to feel more energized. You can attend in person or online. You can find a program near you at .
Always check with your doctor before starting an exercise program or new activity.
How do I learn more?
For more information about COPD and other chronic lung conditions, visit .
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