12 Must Know Facts About COPD - Article Health

What is COPD?
Many people assume that as they get older, it's normal to get short-winded climbing stairs, says Antonio Anzueto, MD, professor of medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Emphysema is COPD
COPD isn't a single lung disease. It's really two diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing problems. It includes emphysema, which makes it hard to breathe, and chronic bronchitis, which is a mucus-producing cough that doesn't go away.

There's hope
At one time, COPD was considered a death sentence. Today, there's reason for optimism.

Once people know they have COPD—in the early stages, the symptoms can be easy to ignore—they can exercise, quit smoking, and take medication to prevent further lung damage.

Pulmonary rehab is important
Pulmonary rehabilitation can reduce symptoms and help you function better every day. Some people even say pulmonary rehab performs miracles.


Rural locations can be riskier
In one study, hospitalized COPD patients from isolated, rural areas were more likely to die from the disease than similar urban dwellers.

Choose a hospital carefully
For many medical conditions, where you're treated can make a big difference, and the same seems to be true for COPD.

People admitted to hospitals that don't treat many COPD patients are at a higher risk of death than those at other hospitals, according to Dr. Abrams' study.

Depression is common
About 40% of people with COPD experience depression—that's more than people with diabetes or without chronic conditions.


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