Q: I've been smoking for 15 years, and I'm now 46. Should I have a spirometry to test my lung function? Could I have COPD?

A: Yes, you should have spirometry. Most guidelines on diagnosing COPD call for spirometry testing in middle-aged people who have smoked or who are still smoking. You won't know for sure if you have COPD until your doctor sees the results of that test.

Q: I stopped smoking 10 years ago. Am I still at risk for COPD?

A: Yes. It can take decades for COPD to develop. This can be the case even after you've quit smoking. However, early treatment can help prevent further lung damage and flare-ups. Flare-ups are also known as exacerbations (pronounced ex-a-ser-BAY-tions).

Q: Why should I be concerned about COPD?

A: COPD is a leading cause of illness in the United States. But it often goes unnoticed and undertreated. Most patients are at least 40 years old or around middle age when symptoms start. So, they often think that the early signs of COPD mean they are just getting older or out of shape. Some patients who experience chronic coughing sometimes think the symptoms are due to smoker's cough. And, they mistakenly think that if they quit smoking, their symptoms will go away. Because their lungs have been damaged, they won't.

Furthermore, COPD is a disease that tends to get worse and worse. It starts with breathlessness. This gradually causes patients to become less and less active. Early detection of COPD may lead people to get the help they need to improve how well their lungs function.

Q: What are the major risks for a flare-up (or an exacerbation)?

A: A flare-up (also called an exacerbation) occurs when your symptoms suddenly get worse. You have more shortness of breath. You cough more. And you have more mucus production. When this occurs, you may need a number of things. You may need your medication changed. You may need oxygen added. And, in severe events, you will need to be in the hospital. The most common causes of flare-ups (or exacerbations) are infections and air pollution.

Q: Is there anything I can do to improve the way my lungs function?

A: Here's the bad news: It is rare to have any improvement in your lung function once the lungs are damaged. But here's the good news: There are things you can do to prevent further damage. Here's what you can do:

• You can quit smoking.
• You can avoid smoke and pollutants in the air.
• You can follow your health care professional's advice on medications, exercise, nutrition and other changes in the way you live from day to day.
• You can take steps such as getting flu shots and pneumonia vaccines to reduce your risk of infection.
• In short, you can work to keep yourself healthy.

Q: Why is exercise so important in treating COPD?

A: This is good to know. Numerous studies find that exercise can improve the way you feel. So, find out what kinds of exercises you should do. Exercising can help in a number of ways:

• It can reduce shortness of breath.
• It can improve your quality of life.
• It can help prevent complications and flare-ups (exacerbations).
• And it can reduce the risk of death from COPD.