FAQs

What is COPD?¹

COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a term used to describe chronic lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD is often caused by tobacco smoking and second-hand smoke, but other cause of COPD can include fumes, chemicals and dust found in work environments, and genetics.

What are COPD symptoms?¹

Symptoms of COPD are often unrecognized until the disease has progressed; symptoms can vary from person to person, but the most common include:

Increased shortness of breath/breathlessness
Frequent coughing (with and without mucus)
Wheezing
Tightness in the chest
Unusual tiredness

How to Avoid/COPD Triggers²

It’s important to be aware of common triggers that can make COPD worse, and take steps to prevent a flare-up of COPD symptoms:

Quit Smoking –Tobacco smoke (from cigarettes, pipes, and cigars) and secondhand smoke makes symptoms worse
Prevent Infections – Any type of respiratory infection, such as the common cold or flu, can worsen COPD symptoms.

Ways to reduce risk from an infection include:
- Washing your hands often, especially after being in public places
- Avoid being around anyone who has a cold or the flu
- Get an annual flu shot
- Ask about a pneumonia vaccination
- Stay hydrated with water
- Avoid crowds, especially during flu season

Do I Need to Watch the Weather?³

Temperature, humidity, wind conditions and air quality can affect breathing and worsen COPD symptoms.

Cold/dry air
- Dry air and sudden temperature changes during fall and winter can bring on COPD symptoms. Using a humidifier inside, as well as a mask or covering your mouth and nose when going outside can help.
Hot/humid weather
- During summer, heat and humidity can make it difficult to breathe. Staying inside and/or using air conditioners or fans can help.

Is the air quality inside my house important regarding my COPD?³

Indoor air quality can affect COPD:

Keep it clean, dry, and tobacco free
Regularly inspect and repair heating systems (furnaces, wood stoves, water heaters, and fireplaces)
Avoid using rugs; if you have rugs, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter
Test your home for radon
Install an alarm that detects carbon monoxide

What Should I do When The Air Quality in My Town is Not Good?³

Check the local Air Quality Forecast before going outside and stay inside when air quality is poor. If you have to go out on a bad air day, wear a mask and avoid going out when air pollution levels are at their highest.

What are the symptoms of a COPD flare-up?⁴

A flare-up or exacerbation of COPD is when symptoms suddenly worsen. Symptoms of a flare-up include:

Coughing and/or wheezing with or without mucus
Shortness of breath
Swelling in the ankles, legs or feet
Chest tightness
Low energy
Frequent respiratory infections

Can I get COPD if I have never smoked?⁴

While COPD is most commonly linked to smoking, even non-smokers can get COPD. Risk factors for developing COPD include:

Smoking cigarettes
Exposure to second-hand smoke or other lung irritants, such as smoke from a fire or fireplace
Long-term exposure to chemical fumes and agents
Asthma and chronic bronchitis
Recurrent respiratory infections
Genetic factors
Age and gender

What is the difference between COPD and asthma?⁵

COPD and asthma have similar symptoms, but they’re actually unique lung conditions. Getting a correct diagnosis is important; here are some key differences by age, symptoms and testing:

COPD