COPD: Learn More, Breathe Better - Are You at Risk?

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Originally published by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH Publication No. 07-5840). U.S. government work, public domain. Reproduced as archived reference, not current guidance.

CoPD: the more you know,

the better For you

anD your loveD ones.

PeoPle who have CoPD:

• Become short of breath while doing everyday activities they used to do with ease.
• Produce excess sputum.
• Cough frequently, or constantly. Some call this a “smoker’s cough.”
• Wheeze.
• Feel like they can’t breathe.
• Are unable to take a deep breath.

as time goes by, these symPtoms get graDually worse.

COPD develops slowly, and can worsen over time. Many people with COPD avoid activities they used to enjoy because they become short of breath so easily. When COPD becomes severe, it can get in the way of doing even the most basic tasks, such as light housekeeping, taking a walk, bathing and getting dressed.

CoPD is serious, yet many Don’t know they have it.

As we age, it’s easy to think that some of the symptoms of COPD are just part of “getting older.” But they’re not. If you think you have even mild symptoms, tell your doctor or health care provider as soon as possible.

COPD is the third leading cause of death in the United States, claiming more than 120,000 American lives each year. More than 12 million have been diagnosed, but another 12 million are likely to have COPD and don’t know it.

THE LUNG DISEASE

WITH MANY

DIFFERENT

NAMES

COPD is a serious lung disease that over time makes it hard to breathe. Its official name is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, but COPD has other names, like emphysema or chronic bronchitis.

In those who have COPD, the airways, or tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs are partly blocked, making it difficult to breathe.

COPD Learn More Breathe Better® is a trademark of HHS.

NIH Publication No. 07-5840 Originally printed September 2006 Reprinted September 2013

know for sure. get a spirometry test.

CoulD you be at risk For CoPD?

Spirometry is a common,

yes, iF you:

noninvasive lung function test useD to smoke, or still Do that can detect COPD before symptoms become severe. COPD most often occurs in people age 40 and over who are current or former smokers. Smoking is the most common cause of COPD, accounting for as many as nine out of ten COPD-related deaths. However, as many as one out of It measures the amount of air six people who have COPD never smoked. you can blow out of your lungs (volume) and how fast you can have long-term exPosure to lung irritants blow it out (flow). That way, your COPD can also occur in people who have had long-term exposure to things that can irritate your lungs, like certain chemicals, dust, or fumes in the doctor or health care provider workplace. Heavy or long-term exposure to secondhand smoke or other air can tell if you have COPD, and pollutants may also contribute to COPD. how severe it is. The spirometry reading can help determine the have a genetiC ConDition CalleD aat DeFiCienCy best course of treatment. As many as 100,000 Americans have alpha-1 antitrypsin, or AAT deficiency. They can get COPD even if they have never smoked or had long-term exposure to harmful pollutants.

Five things everyone at risk shoulD Do:

1. Quit smoking. 4) ProteCt yourselF From the Flu. There are many online resources and several new Do your best to avoid crowds during flu season. It is also aids available from your health care provider. Visit a good idea to get a flu shot every year. smokefree.gov; lungusa.org; or call 1-800-QUIT NOW.
2. learn more so you Can
3. avoiD exPosure to Pollutants. breathe better. Stay away from things that could irritate your lungs, like For more information and free, downloadable materials, dust, strong fumes and cigarette smoke. visit: COPD.nhlbi.nih.gov or contact the National
4. visit your DoCtor or health Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute at: www.nhlbi.nih.gov. Care ProviDer regularly. Make a list of your breathing symptoms, and think about any activities that you can no longer do because of shortness of breath.

are you at risk?