COPD is almost always caused by smoking. Over time, breathing tobacco smoke irritates the airways and destroys the stretchy fibers in the lungs. Other things that may put you at risk include breathing chemical fumes, dust, or air pollution over a long period of time. Secondhand smoke is also bad. It usually takes many years for the lung damage to start causing symptoms, so COPD is most common in people who are older than 60.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease which is largely made up of the tobacco-related conditions emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

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The impact of COPD on the family depends on many factors: the personality of the patient, of family members, and the family structure. COPD can create changes in the family structure, but these changes can be an opportunity for strengthening the family. Both patient and family may be sharing a ride on an emotional roller coaster. This is a dynamic process that is likely to change over time—without prior notice.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a term that refers to a variety of chronic lung disorders, the most common being a mixture of chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD is the result of damage that has been done to lungs over many years. The diagnosis is made when the symptoms become apparent to you and your physician. COPD results in chronic airflow obstruction, the main symptom of which is dyspnea, or shortness of breath, often occurring with cough and wheeze.

Ask you questions about your past health and whether you smoke or have been exposed to other things that can irritate your lungs. If there is a chance you could have COPD, it is very important to find out as soon as you can. This gives you time to take steps to slow the damage to your lungs.

It means that the person has a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary (Lung) Disease. The key words are chronic and obstructive. Chronic means that it not curable, but it is certainly manageable. Obstructive means that it is hard to breathe though constricted air passages. This contributes to shortness of breath. COPD is a combination of emphysema, chronic bronchitis and even some asthma. This sounds like we are handing out more disease.

Maintain a healthy-air household. There should be no smoking, incense, perfumes, or paint fumes. The filters in heating and cooling systems must be changed on a regular basis—often monthly. During times when there is extensive use of heating and air conditioning, the resulting dry air should be humidified. Don't forget that the car is an enclosed environment that demands an even higher level of care. Avoid being out during high levels of air pollution.

Experts believe that about 10 million Americans have been diagnosed with COPD. However, just as many people have some form of lung impairment but have not been diagnosed with COPD.

Shortness of breath is the reason most people seek medical attention for COPD. Other common symptoms include chronic cough, increase and/or change in sputum (also called phlegm) after coughing, and wheezing (a whistling or squeaking noise when breathing). Some people also have tightness in the chest as a symptom of COPD.

There is no cure for COPD, but modifying your lifestyle and taking the proper medications can help you manage your COPD. Medicines such as SPIRIVA HandiHaler can help to open your airways so you can breathe easier.