November is National COPD Awareness Month

• 10/27/2023

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe. COPD can cause a mucus-producing cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and other symptoms. Some people who have asthma can develop COPD. COPD is more common in people ages 40 and older.

COPD can often be prevented. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of COPD. However, up to 25% of people with COPD never smoked. Long-term exposure to other lung irritants like air pollution, chemical fumes or dust may contribute to COPD. A rare genetic condition called AAT deficiency can also cause the disease.

What you can do

• Prevent COPD before it starts
  o  Don’t start smoking.
  o  Quit smoking. Quit Partner can help: quitpartnermn.com, 888-354-7526 or TTY 711.
  o  Avoid lung irritants like air pollution, chemical fumes, dusts and secondhand smoke.
• Prevent complications and slow the progression
  o  Talk with your doctor to see if you have COPD and to get treatment.
  o  Stop smoking.
  
  

Learn more about COPD and National COPD Awareness Month.