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What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?

Date: 11/11/22

November is National Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Awareness Month. Millions of people in America suffer from COPD. This disease can damage the lungs and make it hard to breathe.

There are a few main factors that can lead to COPD. These include:

  • Smoking. Tobacco smoke is the most common cause of COPD, but not all smokers get COPD. In fact, nonsmokers can still get the disease too.
  • Environment. Long-term exposure to air pollution, secondhand smoke, dust, fumes and chemicals can cause COPD.
  • Genetics. Sometimes genes do play a role in the disease, but it is rare. This is called alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency.

Many people don't recognize the symptoms of COPD until later stages of the disease. A few of the symptoms include:

  • Shortness of breath when you exercise.
  • Trouble breathing while doing everyday activities.
  • Tiredness and wheezing.
  • Long-lasting bronchitis or emphysema.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with COPD, it is important to talk with your doctor to come up with a plan to help manage the disease. If you are a smoker, the most important thing to do is stop smoking.

Get tips for living with COPD and learn how you can help care for someone with COPD.

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