Print Window | Close Window

Facts to Know

1. It is serious.
   Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious lung condition. It is the fourth leading cause of death in this country. And, it is the fifth leading cause of death in the world.

2. COPD causes disability.
   It is also a leading cause of disability and hospitalization in the United States.

3. Smoking is the main cause of this condition. Smoking is the primary risk factor for COPD. Other risk factors include the following:

   • indoor air pollution
   • genetics
   • occupational exposure to chemicals or fumes

4. Some people have COPD symptoms. Others don't.
   The most common symptoms of COPD are as follows:

   • shortness of breath
   • mucus production
   • chronic cough
   However, the disease can be present without any of these symptoms.

5. You should ask to get tested for COPD.
   COPD is diagnosed with spirometry. This is a lung-function test. However, few primary care physicians routinely offer this test, not even to current or former smokers.

6. Finding it early can help.
   Although there is no cure for COPD, early treatment may prevent further damage. There is some evidence that bronchodilator treatment may slightly improve lung function.

7. COPD is increasing in women.
   This is because of higher rates of smoking over the past 30 years. In some parts of the world, it is also because of indoor air pollution.

8. You can have it, even if you never smoked.
   There is a strong genetic component to COPD. So, you can have the disease even if you never smoked. As many as one in six people with COPD never smoked.

9. Women should ask to get checked for COPD.
   Physicians are more likely to diagnose COPD in men than in women. This is true even though the prevalence of the disease in women is catching up to that in men. And, it is true even though women are more likely to die from the disease than men.

10. There are a number of treatments for COPD.

    • The first step in treating COPD is to quit smoking, if you smoke.
      • Studies find that quitting smoking can prevent further lung damage in COPD and preserve existing lung function.
    • There are other treatments, along with lifestyle changes, for COPD. These include the following:
      • bronchodilators (includes anticholinergics and methylxanthines)
      • inhaled or systemic steroids
      • exercise
      • education
      • oxygen therapy
      • flu shots
      • avoiding unhealthy air

This resource is part of an educational initiative sponsored by
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., and Pfizer Inc.