Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of death in America — and many people don’t know what it is. COPD is an umbrella term that covers emphysema (a loss of elasticity in the air sacs that makes breathing difficult), chronic bronchitis (permanently narrowed airways thanks to repeated inflammation), and even some forms of asthma!
More than twelve million Americans have already been diagnosed with COPD — and approximately ninety percent of these cases are a result of smoking. Problems develop after twenty “pack years” — smoking one pack per day for twenty years, or two packs per day for ten years.
You can help prevent smoking-related COPD by:
- Not smoking, or quitting if you do smoke.
- Avoiding second-hand smoke.
- Reducing exposure to environmental pollutants.
COPD may be harder on women than it is on men. Because of hormones, women tend to breathe more quickly than men do. They also have smaller lungs and airways. Once a woman develops COPD, she may experience more shortness of breath and a worse quality of life than a man with the same degree of disease severity.
A diagnosis of COPD isn’t necessarily a death sentence. Many patients can enjoy a good quality of life thanks to a combination of treatment and a healthy lifestyle.
- Be careful with even minor respiratory diseases. Even a cold can be dangerous to a patient with COPD. Get a flu shot every year and a pneumonia vaccine every ten years. See your doctor at the first sign of any respiratory problems.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables — the antioxidants can help clean dangerous free radicals out of your body. Even smokers can benefit from a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
- Even a little exercise is better than none. Aerobic exercise — even just a few minutes per day — can help maintain or even improve lung strength. Aerobic exercise also helps keep other muscles strong.