Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is the 4th leading cause of death in the United States. The disease kills more than 120,000 Americans each year - that's 1 death every 4 minutes - and causes serious, long-term disability. The number of perople with COPD is increasing. More than 12 million people are diagnosed with COPD and an additional 12 million likely have the disease and don't even know it.
What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?
COPD is a serious lung disease that over time, makes it hard to breathe. You may also have heard COPD called other names, like emphysema or chronic bronchitis. In people who have COPD, the airways—tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs—are partially blocked, which makes it hard to get air in and out.
When COPD is severe, shortness of breath and other symptoms of COPD can get in the way of even the most basic tasks, such as doing light housework, taking a walk, even washing and dressing.
Many people with COPD avoid activities that they used to enjoy because they become short of breath more easily.
Symptoms of COPD include:
- Constant coughing, sometimes called "smoker's cough"
- Shortness of breath while doing activities you used to be able to do
- Excess sputum production
- Feeling like you can't breathe
- Not being able to take a deep breath
- Wheezing
When COPD is severe, shortness of breath and other symptoms can get in the way of doing even the most basic tasks, such as doing light housework, taking a walk, even bathing and getting dressed.
COPD develops slowly, and can worsen over time, so be sure to report any symptoms you might have to your doctor as soon as possible, no matter how mild they may seem.