WHAT IS CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD)
COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
• Chronic means it won’t go away
• Obstructive means partly blocked
• Pulmonary means in the lungs
• Disease means sickness
COPD is a common lung disease that obstructs the airways, making breathing difficult. COPD is usually caused by smoking or exposure to fumes or very dusty places. COPD can be prevented. When COPD develops, it can be treated although it cannot be cured. The earlier it is detected, the better the results of treatment. Adults may have COPD if they have trouble breathing, or a cough that will not go away. If you have these symptoms, you should ask your doctor about COPD. Doctors can help to improve your symptoms and slow damage to your lungs. Your doctor can help you do something about COPD. Take time to think about your lungs; learn about COPD.
For more information about living with COPD, visit BREATHE BETTER with COPD
