Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD, consists of a group of lung diseases that block airflow and make it difficult to breathe. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are two of the most commons illnesses that fall under COPD. COPD can cause a number of other health-realted issues. While it is not curable, there are many treatment options to lessen the symptoms, including certain life style changes, using an oxygen concentrator, and more.
COPD can affect any age group but is more common among the elderly. It is important for those managing COPD to better understand how the disease affects your health as you age.
While we all may experience a bad cough, it is not the same as the cough of COPD. The cough of COPD is on-going, often lasting for weeks or longer. This persistent cough will also be more productive as your body attempts to clear your airway of irritants that do not appear to go away.
Some of the common side effects of COPD are sensations that you are losing breath, short of breath or the feeling that you cannot breathe at all. While not life-threatening, these side effects can understandably trigger a belief that you are dying or suffering a serious medical event. But in fact, these are just panic attacks.
While many medications can help with your COPD, there are some you should avoid. Your doctor will help you stay clear of medications that can be harmful. You can also take steps to make sure that you don’t accidentally take medications that can be
COPD and congestive heart failure are related. Many patients with COPD may experience congestive heart failure related to the left or right side of the heart. Low oxygen levels from COPD can dramatically affect the heart and puts COPD patients at greater risk.
COPD and lung cancer are both severe conditions that affect the respiratory system. Though they are separate diseases there are similarities in how COPD and lung cancer progressively damage the lungs. Similarities also exist including risk factors for both diseases and While we all have our seasonal weather preferences, people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have extra reason to follow weather forecasts. Extreme temperatures, humidity levels and even passing thunderstorms all can cause COPD symptoms to flare. Understanding how weather can trigger your symptoms — and how to reduce your risks — are important steps in staying healthy in all kinds of weather. When most people think of a serious respiratory illness, they think of emphysema. Yet emphysema is only one of the diseases that comprise COPD. COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease affects more than 15 million Americans compared to the 3 million Americans impacted by emphysema.1 Let's dive into both COPD and emphysema and the main differences between the two. 
Extreme Weather and COPD
Emphysema vs COPD: Which is More Serious?
Can Walking Help with Shortness of Breath and COPD?
Some people with breathing problems or respiratory conditions like COPD may avoid physical activity because it makes them feel short of breath. But avoiding physical activity might reduce your lung function even more. Managing your COPD doesn’t have to mean living a sedentary life. Some physical activities like a brisk walk every day can help improve breathing and make you feel better with...
COPD Exacerbation - Definition, Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment
COPD can be a difficult respiratory illness to manage daily. Individuals contending with the condition can have good days and bad days. Patients have to make sure they are staying as healthy as possible to prevent the disease from worsening. Being aware of COPD exacerbation is critical for lasting health.
What Is A COPD Exacerbation?
COPD exacerbation is a gradual worsening of the di...
