COPD - Symptoms - NHLBI, NIH
Oct 4, 2024 · At first, COPD may cause no symptoms or only mild symptoms. As the disease gets worse, symptoms usually become more serious. There may be times when symptoms suddenly worsen — known as a flare-up or an exacerbation — because of triggers such as an infection or something in the environment like dust or smoke.
COPD - What Is COPD? - NHLBI, NIH
Nov 8, 2024 · COPD can cause coughing that produces large amounts of a slimy substance called mucus . It can also cause breathing problems, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and other symptoms . Because COPD is a progressive disease, its symptoms often develop slowly but worsen over time and can limit your ability to do routine activities.
COPD - Diagnosis - NHLBI, NIH
Oct 4, 2024 · Diagnosing COPD Learn about spirometry and other diagnostic tests your provider may use to diagnose COPD based on your symptoms and risk factors. The main test for COPD is spirometry. It can detect COPD before symptoms are recognized. Your provider may also use the test results to find out how serious your COPD is and help set your treatment goals.
COPD - Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency - NHLBI, NIH
Oct 25, 2023 · Talk to your healthcare provider if you have a family member who has AAT deficiency or who was a smoker diagnosed with COPD between ages 40 and 50. Also, talk to your provider if you have symptoms such as an ongoing cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, or liver disease. Another important step to prevent or delay COPD is to quit smoking.
A Quick Guide On COPD - NHLBI, NIH
This guide provides an overview of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), its symptoms, how it affects breathing, and how it's diagnosed and treated. It can be used by health care professionals to have a dialogue with patients or as a general handout to …
COPD - Causes and Risk Factors | NHLBI, NIH
Oct 4, 2024 · Most people who have COPD are at least 40 years old when symptoms begin. A condition that runs in families, called alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency: If you are born with this condition, smoking or long-term exposure to fumes or dust can lead to lung damage and COPD. AAT deficiency can also raise your risk for developing COPD at a younger age.
COPD Videos - NHLBI, NIH
Feb 13, 2024 · Please consider running the Learn More Breathe Better program’s PSAs this November and whenever possible to increase awareness of COPD symptoms and encourage discussions with health care providers. Discuss COPD and encourage your [VISITORS/LISTENERS/READERS] to take notice of the signs and symptoms of COPD and educate them that the first step ...
COPD - Women and COPD - NHLBI, NIH
Oct 6, 2024 · Women with insulin resistance are at higher risk of COPD. Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency can lead to COPD in both women and men. This condition can also complicate pregnancy and birth. AAT deficiency can increase the risk of poorer lung function, including the risk of being diagnosed with COPD, before and during pregnancy.
COPD - Living With - NHLBI, NIH
Oct 6, 2024 · Managing COPD Learn healthy living tips to help manage COPD symptoms. Join a COPD self-management program. Ask your healthcare provider for a program that will help you learn about COPD and interventions that can make it easier to manage the disease and have a better quality of life. This might help you deal with fatigue , for example.
COPD - Treatment - NHLBI, NIH
Oct 6, 2024 · Medicines to treat COPD symptoms include bronchodilators and steroids or nonsteroid medicines that reduce inflammation . A new add-on medicine approved in 2024 may help to control your disease. Your healthcare provider may prescribe an inhaler for you to always carry. Inhalers allow the medicine to go straight to your lungs.