COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and is the leading cause of disability and the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, claiming 117,000 lives annually. COPD is a classification of lung diseases, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, that make breathing extremely difficult. In patients with COPD, the airways of the lungs thicken, close and may also fill with mucus, thus reducing air flow. COPD can lead to weakness, exhaustion, loss of body weight, and heart failure.

Listen to Dr. George Su, Breathe California Board Member, talk about COPD detection and treatment in a new podcast.

80-90% of all COPD is caused by smoking and smokers are ten times more likely to die from COPD than non-smokers. People who had many lung infections as a child are also more likely to develop COPD when they are older. Other factors that can lead to the development of COPD include genetic predispositions and exposure to industrial wastes, air pollution or secondhand smoke.

Although there is no cure as such for COPD, with proper treatment, patients can live full, active lives. Doctor-prescribed medications can be of great help by opening up closed airways, reducing mucus and decreasing airway inflammation. Oxygen therapy can also help increase mobility.

Breathing exercises, a proper diet and a doctor-approved exercise regimen can help you to stay active and remain healthy. In addition, many healthcare providers offer pulmonary rehabilitation courses which teach patients to cope with the challenges posed by lung disease.