COPD is the third leading cause of death worldwide, yet many have never heard of it. The COPD Foundation is dedicated to changing that.
Jean Wright, M.D., MBA
CEO, COPD Foundation
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, includes several conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Symptoms can include breathlessness, fatigue, and chronic cough.
Damage to the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs causes emphysema. The walls inside the alveoli disappear, making small sacs into larger ones. Larger air sacs do not transfer oxygen to the blood as well. Your airways become flabby, and air gets trapped in the lungs, making you feel short of breath.
Chronic bronchitis is a cough with mucus lasting at least three months for two years in a row. Bronchitis damages the bronchial tubes, making them irritated and swollen. The hair-like fibers in the bronchial tubes help move mucus out of the lungs. When those tiny hairs are lost, it is harder to cough mucus out of the lungs.
How do you get COPD?
There is a stigma that only smokers develop COPD. However, it’s not just a smoker’s disease. Roughly 25% of people diagnosed do not smoke.
COPD is also caused by genetics or irritants like smoke or pollution. It is estimated that by 2050, poor air quality will be the leading cause of COPD around the world. The fumes, chemicals, and dust in different work environments — think coal workers, firefighters, and others — contribute to developing COPD.
How do you know you have COPD?
Not all COPD is the same. How symptoms impact your daily life and how they progress varies. That’s why it’s so important to get screened if you think you may have COPD or are in a higher-risk environment.
COPD is diagnosed through a lung function test called spirometry. A spirometry test measures how well your lungs are working.
Another good way to see if you should get tested is a birthday candle. Hold a birthday candle at arm’s length. If you can blow out the candle, you probably have good lung function. If you can’t blow it out, you should see a pulmonologist to get tested.
Many people do not realize they have COPD or notice symptoms until they are in a moderate stage of the disease. Early screening is important to help manage symptoms, slow the progression of the disease, and improve 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 are a current or former smoker, you should ask your doctor about getting tested.
How do I stay active with COPD?
Exercising may seem difficult if you are feeling short of breath. However, 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 stop fitness loss. The less you do, the less you are able to do. Always check with your doctor before starting an exercise program or new activity.
The COPD Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help millions of people live longer and healthier lives by advancing research, advocacy, and awareness to stop COPD, bronchiectasis, and NTM lung disease. For more information and resources, visit copdfoundation.org.
