Taking control of COPD. One healthy step at a time.

If you are living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), we want to make sure you have the guidance, facts and resources to help you and your caregivers make the right choices about your health.

COPD is a chronic and progressive disease that can restrict air flow in your lungs and make it hard to breathe.

People living with COPD don’t always experience the same symptoms. And there can be just as many ways to manage and treat it. That can make it hard to know what the right care is.

COPD doesn’t have to define you

With the right treatment plan, people with COPD can have active, healthy lives. And while it may be challenging at times, it’s important to do everything you can to manage your condition.

Keep your health on track by:

  • Working with your health care providers
  • Using your medication as prescribed
  • Building the right habits
  • Avoiding environmental triggers

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Managing COPD

Work with your health care providers to create a self-management plan.

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COPD medication

Make sure you’re using any medication correctly.

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Healthy habits

Improve your condition with things like breathing exercises and a balanced diet.

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Environmental triggers

Avoid things in your surroundings that may make your symptoms worse.

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The myths about COPD (and the facts)

There are many myths and misconceptions about COPD. Learning about the disease can help people living with COPD take control of their health.

Fact: While smoking is a major cause of COPD, about 1 in 4 people who develop it never smoked.*

Fact: COPD is a progressive disease, meaning it gets worse over time. Continuing to smoke after a diagnosis can speed up the progression.

Quitting smoking can improve lung function in as little as two months.

Fact: Shortness of breath is a major symptom of COPD. But COPD has many other symptoms:

  • Chronic cough
  • Excess phlegm or mucus in your lungs
  • Wheezing
  • Tightness in your chest or feeling like you can’t breathe
  • Being unable to take a deep breath
  • Fatigue

Fact: While there’s no cure for COPD, there are a variety of treatments that can reduce symptoms, manage flare-ups and help people living with COPD feel their best. This can include medication, pulmonary rehabilitation, lifestyle changes and more.

Talk to your health care providers to find out what’s right for you.

Fact: The symptoms of COPD can make it feel hard to exercise. But when done in moderation and with the guidance of health care providers, exercise can reduce COPD symptoms.

Exercise can strengthen your heart, strengthen your lungs and boost your mood.

Fact: Maintaining overall health provides a strong foundation for people living with COPD. And things like keeping a healthy weight and a balanced diet can help improve COPD symptoms.

If you’re struggling with your weight or your diet, talk to your health care providers. You may be able to connect with a nutritionist for support.

Fact: Both men and women can develop COPD. In fact, more women than men now have the disease.*

Is there anyone else we should keep in the loop?

Do you have a friend, family member or someone else helping you manage your health? If so, we can send them information.

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