National COPD Month: Aspirus shares information on lung condition

“COPD is a major cause of disability,” said Sarah Schroeder, Respiratory Therapist with Aspirus. “Those with COPD find themselves struggling to do daily activities such as walking, cooking, or dressing themselves because they become short of breath so easily.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), common symptoms of COPD are an ongoing cough or a cough that produces a lot of mucus, shortness of breath (especially with physical activity), wheezing or a whistling or squeaky sound when breathing, and chest tightness or heaviness.

“The most important thing someone with COPD or at risk for COPD can do is to not smoke or quit smoking if they have been a smoker,” Schroeder stated. “This lifestyle change can make a drastic difference.”

According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, additional things people at risk for COPD can do are:

• Limit exposure to air pollution in the home or at work. Stay away from things that could irritate your lungs, like dust, strong fumes and cigarette smoke.
• Visit your health care provider regularly. Make a list of your breathing symptoms and think about any activities that you can no longer do because of shortness of breath. Share this information with your provider.
• Protect yourself from the flu and other preventable infectious diseases. It is also a good idea to get a flu shot every year. Talk to your provider about getting vaccinated against pneumococcal disease and COVID-19.

“People with COPD are at increased risk of developing heart disease, lung cancer and a variety of other conditions,” Aspirus said. “Early diagnosis is critical to help reduce lung damage and to help with those manage quality of life with COPD.”