COPD: Four Things You Need To Know (NAPSA)—What’s the fourthleading cause of death in the U.S., claiming 120,000 lives each year? If you’re like most people, you’ve probably never even heard ofit. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a serious lung disease that over time makes it hard to breathe. More than 12 million Americans have been diagnosed with COPD, and another 12 million likely have the disease and don’t even knowit, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). The NHLBI launched COPD Learn More Breathe Better, a national campaign designed to improve awareness of COPD. The campaign offers these four things that everyone needs to know about the disease: 1. Be aware of the risk factors. You could be at risk for COPD if you: * can’t perform simple tasks you used to be able to do, like climbing stairs, grocery shopping or walking to the mailbox; are over 40 and smoke or used to smoke; have worked or lived around chemicals or fumes; or * have certain genetic conditions. If this sounds like you, it’s important to let your doctor know and make regular appointments, even if you're feeling fine. 2. Recognize the symptoms. Shortness of breath, “smoker’s cough” and wheezing are all symptoms of COPD. The disease develops slowly, so it’s important to report symptomsto your doctor right away, no matter how mild they seem. = Talk to your doctor if shortness of breath prevents you from performing simple tasks like climbing stairs, grocery shopping or walking to the mailbox. You could be at risk for COPD. 3. Ask your doctor about a simple breathingtest. If you think you might be at risk for COPD, talk to your doctor about a simple breathing test called spirometry that is used to diagnose the disease. It involves breathing out as hard and fast as you can into a tube connected to a machine that measures your lung function. 4, Follow treatmentadvice. If you are diagnosed with COPD, there is hope. You can take steps to make breathing easier and live a longer and more active life: Take medication as directed by your doctor. Enroll in a pulmonary rehabilitation program. Avoid pollutants or fumes that can irritate your lungs. Get flu and pneumonia shots as directed by your doctor. For more information, visit www.LearnAboutCOPD.org. wane nee n nee e ee ee eee eee eeeDo eee Note to Editors: November is COPD Awareness Month.
