What is COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a group of diseases that causes breathing-related problems. It includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and in some cases asthma.
COPD is a leading cause of death, illness, and disability in the United States. Each year, more than 120,000 Americans die from COPD. Additionally, millions of hospital emergency room visits are due to people with COPD.
What causes COPD?
In the United States, tobacco is a key factor in the development and spread of COPD, but asthma, exposure to air pollutants in the home and workplace, genetic factors, and respiratory infections also play a role. In the developing world, indoor air quality is thought to play a larger role in the development and progression of COPD than it does in the United States.
Avoiding tobacco smoke, home and workplace air pollutants, and respiratory infections are key to preventing the initial development of COPD.
How is COPD treated?
Treatment of COPD requires a careful and thorough evaluation by a doctor. The most important part of treatment is avoiding tobacco smoke and removing other air pollutants from your home or workplace.
Symptoms such as coughing or wheezing can be treated with medication.
Respiratory infections may be treated with antibiotics, if appropriate. Patients who have low blood oxygen levels in their blood are often given supplemental oxygen.
Living with and managing your COPD
COPD has no cure yet. However, you can take steps to manage your symptoms and slow the progress of the disease.
If you are a smoker, the single most important thing you can do to help yourself is to stop smoking. Take advantage of the support around you and join a smoking cessation group in your community or online.
Here are four additional things you can do to help manage your COPD:
- 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.
Self-help resources
Sources:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute
