About COPD
What is COPD?
COPD is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that can cause difficulty breathing, coughing, and wheezing. COPD is typically the result of long-term exposure to irritants such as air pollution, exposure to tobacco smoke, and genetic factors. Today, over 15.7 million Americans report that they’ve been diagnosed with this chronic condition.
Complications
COPD can cause numerous complications, including:
- Respiratory Infections
- Heart Problems
- Lung Cancer
- High Blood Pressure in Lung Arteries
- Depression
Treatment Options
Currently, there is no cure for COPD, but there are options to help slow progression, reduce complications, and improve the quality of life:
- Quitting smoking
- The use of medicines such as inhaled steroids, bronchodilators, combination inhalers, and other lung therapies
