Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. It impacts more than 30 million Americans, yet many have never heard of it. The COPD Foundation is working to change that.
Jean Wright, M.D., M.B.A.
CEO, COPD Foundation
COPD includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Common symptoms are shortness of breath, fatigue, and a chronic cough.
Emphysema is caused when the air sacs in the lungs are damaged. The sacs get larger and do not move oxygen to your blood as well. Air gets trapped in your lungs, making it harder to breathe.
A cough with mucus that happens frequently for at least two years is chronic bronchitis. Bronchitis causes irritation and inflammation of the bronchial tubes and damages the tiny, hair-like fibers that help move mucus out of the lungs. The damage makes it more difficult to clear mucus from the lungs.
What causes COPD?
Smoking is a major risk factor for developing COPD, but it’s not the only cause. In fact, 1 in 4 people with COPD has never smoked.
Genetics or irritants like air pollution, smoke, and chemical fumes can also cause COPD. People who work around dust or smoke — like coal workers, firefighters, and others — are also at risk.
How do you get tested for COPD?
COPD is not the same for everyone. People with COPD may experience different symptoms, and the disease may progress at different rates.
COPD is diagnosed through a lung function test called spirometry. The test measures how well your lungs are working. Another good way to see if you should get tested for COPD? A birthday candle. Hold a birthday candle at arm’s length and try to blow it out. If it’s a struggle, you should see a pulmonologist (lung doctor) to get tested.
Many people do not realize they have COPD or notice symptoms until it’s already progressed. Early detection is important to help manage symptoms, slow the disease’s progression, and improve your 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 if you are a current or former smoker, you should ask your doctor about testing for COPD.
How do I learn more?
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.
