What is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a progressive lung disease with these primary symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• Frequent coughing or wheezing
• Excess phlegm or mucus
• Trouble taking a deep breath

The most common risk factor for COPD is smoking. Other risk factors include exposure to dust and chemicals in the workplace, secondhand smoke, wood smoke, frequent lung infections as a child and biomass fuels for cooking.

A simple test measures lung function to detect COPD. Although COPD treatment can alleviate symptoms, early detection may change its course and progress. Knowing the signs can help you get treatment sooner.

Ask your primary care doctor about getting tested for COPD or call Marshall Internal Medicine’s COPD Clinic at 304-691-1000.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention