How to recognize COPD

Who gets COPD?

Smoking is the most common cause of COPD. The disease is most common in people over 40 years of age. COPD is not a disease that affects children.

Being exposed intensively or for a prolonged period to certain dusts and chemicals, or pollution, can also increase your risks of getting COPD, and can make the disease worse if you already have it.

Finally, there is a group of people who have a rare hereditary disorder that makes them more susceptible to COPD. These people do not produce the enzyme alpha-1 antitrypsin, which helps break down mucus in the airways.

Could it be COPD?

COPD is an extremely common disease. Worldwide, around 600 million people suffer from COPD. It is the fifth leading cause of death in Europe, and experts estimate that by 2020 COPD will become the third leading cause of death worldwide.

The symptoms of COPD should not be ignored – particularly if you are a current or ex-smoker – because the sooner you start treatment, the better the results of this treatment may be.

The good news is that the symptoms are relatively simple to recognise. If you answer these questions, it will help you find out whether you may have COPD.

1. Do you cough several times most days?
2. Do you bring up phlegm or mucus most days?
3. Do you get out of breath more easily than other people your age?
4. Are you older than 40 years?
5. Are you a current smoker or an ex-smoker?

If you have answered YES to 3 or more of these questions, ask your doctor if you might have COPD and should have a simple breathing test called spirometry. If COPD is found early, there are steps you can take to prevent further lung damage and make you feel better!
For more information on the tests your doctor may perform, see the section Tests your doctor may perform.

How is COPD different from asthma?

COPD is similar to asthma, but it is not the same disease. Medicines can usually reverse the affects of asthma, but COPD is a progressive disease, and medicines cannot reverse the effects of COPD.

The only way to be sure you have COPD rather than asthma is to have a spirometry test, which can be performed by your doctor.

Does COPD change over time?

COPD is a progressive disease, and so it tends to get worse over time. Lung function reduces slowly after the age of 25, whether you have COPD or not. However these changes are more rapid in people who are susceptible to the effects of cigarette smoke. As breathing becomes less efficient, it is increasingly difficult for people to do their daily activities. Women appear to deteriorate faster than men. If you stop smoking, you can reduce this rate of decline.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is there anything I can do to help myself?

There is a lot you can do to help yourself, and to potentially slow the progression of the disease.

• Stop smoking
• Follow all your doctors advice including taking your medication as instructed
• Don’t under-estimate your symptoms. Go to the doctor if your breathing or coughing gets worse
• Have regular check-ups at the doctor. Most people with COPD should see their doctor every six months
• Do all you can to prevent exacerbations
• Stay positive and active – and make sure you do regular physical exercise