About COPD
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a slowly progressive disease of the breathing passages that causes gradual loss of lung function over time. It includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, or a combination of these conditions.1,2
Over 12 million adults in the United States are living with COPD and about 24 million more experience some type of impaired lung function.1 Although breathing difficulties associated with COPD will not go away with treatment,1 it is possible to manage the disease through lifestyle changes and prescription therapies that your doctor and healthcare partners will advise you to follow.2
Causes of COPD
COPD is a disease that is closely tied to lifestyle choices or environmental factors. It occurs most often among adults who have a history of smoking or exposure to extreme pollutants in the workplace or their surrounding environment.1,2 For a closer look at the most common symptoms associated with COPD, click here.
Treatment Options
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with COPD, we understand that the first reaction is often one of fear and the feeling of helplessness associated with having a chronic illness. With great strides being made in medical science, there are now treatment options that can help relieve COPD symptoms to improve your quality of life.1,2 Click here for an overview of available therapies.
References:
1. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Data Fact Sheet. Bethesda, MD: US Dept of Health and Human Services; 2003. NIH publication 03-5229.
2. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. November 2006. Available at: www.goldcopd.org. Accessed May 20, 2008.
