COPD
COPD is a lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is caused by damage to the lungs over many years, usually from smoking.
Other things that may put you at risk for COPD include breathing chemical fumes, dust, or air pollution over a long period of time. Secondhand smoke is also bad.
Causes
COPD is almost always caused by smoking. In some cases, COPD may be caused by a rare gene change that affects the body’s ability to protect the lungs from damage.
Tests
Home Lung Function Test
Use a tool to monitor and evaluate any breathing problems you may have on a day-to-day basis.
Chest X-Ray
A chest X-ray is a picture of the chest that shows your heart, lungs, airway, blood vessels, and lymph nodes.
Lung Function Tests
Lung function tests check to see how well your lungs work.
Treatment
COPD may be treated with medicines and oxygen to help you breathe easier. Treatment also includes things you can do for yourself. These are things like quitting smoking, eating well, getting vaccines and staying active. And avoid colds, infections, and other things that may trigger your symptoms.
Bullectomy for COPD
For some people, surgically removing the enlarged air sacs—known as a bullectomy—makes breathing easier.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
A program that uses education, exercise, and support to help people with breathing problems.
Living with COPD
- Learning to Breathe Easier
- Conserving Energy When You Have COPD
- Handling a Flare-Up
- Tips for Reducing Indoor Pollutants in Your Home
- Avoiding Your Triggers
COPD won’t stop me from living my best life…
Patient Stories
Cal's Story: Learning to Exercise When You Have COPD
“I spent the first 2 years moping around the house, feeling sorry for myself,” he says. “I didn’t go anywhere…
Fran's Story: Finding Support When You Have COPD
“I was so scared when the doctor told me I had emphysema. I was afraid to go anywhere or do anything.
Credits
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