What is COPD?

Editor:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is the third leading cause of death in Arizona.

It is a disease that damages the lungs and restricts the airways, making it difficult to get air in and out.

If you have COPD, here is what you should know — COPD is not a death sentence.

Although there is no cure for COPD, your symptoms can be managed, and damage to your lungs can be slowed.

If you smoke, quitting is the most important thing you can do to help your lungs. You also need to try to stay away from people who smoke and places where people smoke.

Early diagnosis can ensure you can maintain your quality of life. So if you think you may be at risk, consider getting tested.

People at high risk are long-term smokers and people exposed to second-hand smoke.

Other potential risk factors include occupational exposure to dust and chemicals, outdoor air pollution, and indoor air pollution from burning wood for cooking or heating.

If you are one of those potentially at risk for COPD, please ask your family doctor to test you for it — it’s quick, easy, and painless.

Take the test even though you may have no noticeable symptoms — yet.

Those who think “it won’t happen to me” and wait for symptoms to show may have already lost half their lung capacity.

The test is quick, painless, and can be done in your family doctor’s office.

Just blow hard into a tube for six seconds — that’s all there is to it.

And it just might be the best six-second investment you ever made.

As you spend time with family and friends through the holiday season, pass the word and encourage them to be tested as well.

For more information about COPD please visit our website at www.breatheeasyaz.org.

Mary Kurth, Program director COPD Collaborative