Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Know the Signs of COPD & How to Prevent It Family Health

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of diseases – including emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthma – that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems. When someone has COPD, less air flows through the airways, leading to breathing issues. Even though COPD can be caused by smoking, of the 15 million U.S. adults with COPD about 39 percent continue to smoke.

In the early stages of COPD, there may be mild symptoms, including:

• A nagging cough, also known as smoker’s cough.

• Shortness of breath, which may be exacerbated by physical activity.

• Wheezing, which is a whistling sound when you breathe.

• Tightness in the chest.

• More severe symptoms depending on the extent of the damage to the lungs.

How can COPD be prevented?

• If you currently smoke, reach out to your health-care provider or nurse practitioner (NP) to see how they can help you stop smoking.

• Stay away from secondhand smoke as much as possible. Smoke from burning tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars or pipes, as well as smoke exhaled by a person smoking, count as secondhand smoke.

The content on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information on this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider. The opinions or views expressed on 30Seconds.com do not necessarily represent those of 30Seconds or any of its employees, corporate partners or affiliates.

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