COPD

COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe. Progressive means the disease gets worse over time, but it is possible for patients with COPD to lead a full and active life!

COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a Lung Disease

Key Fact | COPD is the third-leading cause of death in the United States.

COPD’s Most Common Cause | Environmental exposure to smoking.

Note
1) Not all smokers will get COPD.
2) Not all patients with COPD use to smoke.

Patients with COPD often have:
1) Trouble breathing. Usually, this is first recognized with activities.
2) Cough. This may include having mucus.

Although COPD currently has no cure, patients with COPD can lead full and active lives. Here’s how patients do this:
1) A healthcare provider identifies the COPD early.
2) Stop smoking for good.
3) Accept help from others.
4) Use the correct inhalers, medicines, and other therapies properly.
5) Get regular exercise.
6) Become an active team member with their healthcare provider.

Key Terms
Chronic | Long-lasting. It will be there from now on.
Obstruction | Blockage. Difficult to get old air out of the lungs so new air can get in.
Pulmonary | Regarding the lungs.
Disease | Illness. Not healthy.

How WipeDiseases Foundation Helps

We Teach Patients How To:
1) Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider in the most efficient and effective way. We at WipeDiseases Foundation like to call this Medicine as a Second Language.
2) Become a key member of your own healthcare team.

We Teach Healthcare Professionals How To:
1) Communicate with patients more effectively. This includes using plain English.
2) Develop more skills to encourage each patient to actively participate as a key member of the healthcare team.