Are you always stopping and resting because you're short of breath, wheezing or coughing? Do you find that you have trouble with simple, daily activities like climbing stairs, carrying groceries or gardening? If this sounds like you, your lungs could be trying to tell you something. You could be experiencing symptoms of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), a serious lung disease that over time makes it hard to breathe.
James Kiley, Ph.D., director of the Division of Lung Diseases at the NHLBI, part of the National Institutes of Health, answers questions about COPD symptoms, risks and diagnosis.
Q. I haven't heard much about COPD, is it a common disease?
A: In COPD, sometimes referred to as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, the tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs are partially blocked, which makes it hard to breathe.
Some of the most common symptoms you may notice in yourself or others are frequent shortness of breath, chronic cough, wheezing and excessive phlegm production. Take a look at things you do every day - like going up and down the steps, walking to the mail box, or shopping. Are these things more difficult than they used to be because you find yourself having to catch your breath? This could be COPD and it's worth discussing with a health care provider.
Q. What are the most common causes of COPD?
A: Regardless of their smoking history, if someone is experiencing these symptoms, they should talk with their health care provider and ask to take a simple breathing test called spirometry. It is quick and easy and can be taken right there in the doctor's office. The earlier a person gets diagnosed with COPD and receives treatment, the better their chance to improve quality of life.
Q. My doctor has diagnosed me with COPD, how do I begin managing my symptoms?
A: You can find out more by visiting COPD.nhlbi.nih.gov. This educational website is part of the "COPD Learn More Breathe Better" awareness campaign from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health.
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