COPD is a lung disease that gets worse over time, so it's critical to keep it from progressing. People at high risk for COPD should talk to their health care provider about getting an early diagnosis. If diagnosed, it's important to follow the provider's advice to manage the disease, slow its progression, and prevent emergencies.
Not everyone with COPD will experience the same symptoms. Some may have mild or no symptoms at first. COPD is often not diagnosed until the disease is more advanced and lung damage has occurred. Therefore, if you are in a high-risk group (see below) you should discuss with your provider about getting screened early.
As COPD progresses and breathing becomes more difficult, activities may need to be limited and more advanced treatments might be necessary. COPD is a common cause of repeated hospital visits. It affects not just the individual but the whole family.
Having untreated asthma, a history of respiratory illnesses like bronchitis or pneumonia, and exposure to secondhand smoke from cigarettes or vaping are all factors that can increase the risk of developing COPD.
Smoking is responsible for 80% of COPD cases and related deaths in the U.S. Historically, Vermont has had higher smoking rates than the national average, which puts many Vermonters at a higher risk of developing COPD.
Many jobs expose workers to dust, chemicals, and air pollution (including wood smoke or biomass fuels), increasing their risk of developing COPD. For instance, veterans, National Guard members, firefighters, industrial and construction workers, quarry or marble workers, farmers, and certain artisans are particularly vulnerable to this condition.
Outdoor air pollution can cause COPD. This includes particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), ozone, and sulfur dioxide, which mainly come from cars and industrial activities. Some Vermont communities and areas are at a higher risk because they are close to highways, manufacturing sites, farms, and urban centers.
Certain genetic conditions, and brain or spinal cord injuries are also known causes of COPD. These conditions may reduce lung function like a stroke can reduce body movement.
The prevention tips below are helpful for everyone. But if you have any of the Early Signs and Risk Factors for COPD or are in any of the high risk groups you are likely at higher risk of developing COPD, and should take the following immediate steps to prevent COPD or slow its progression:
- Talk to your healthcare provider and consider getting screened with a lung function test (see Early Diagnosis for more info).
- Quit smoking (cigarettes and little cigars) and stop use of vape products is one of the most important steps you can take. Those who smoke and vape are at great risk for COPD. The risk of COPD drops when you stop smoking. Even if you have been smoking for many years, quitting at any age has benefits and can still help prevent development of or progression of COPD.
- Quit with help from 802Quits. 802Quits is free and offers health coaching, texting support, rewards for each session and the option for free nicotine replacement gum, patches, and lozenges shipped to your home.
- Avoid exposure to second-hand smoke.
- Avoid both indoor and outdoor air pollution. This includes smoke from wildfires, fireplaces, wood stoves, as well as ozone, particle pollution, and exposure to fumes, gases and industrial dusts.
- Discuss with other workers and employers easy and low-cost best practices for reducing worksite exposures. This may involve a combination of strategies to eliminate the hazard, substituting products or processes, using engineering or administrative controls (whether filtration, staff rotations, etc.), and if necessary, using personal protective equipment (PPE) if you work in occupations with dangerous exposures.
If you have any of the Early Signs and Risk Factors for COPD, especially if you are ALSO in any of the high-risk groups, getting an early diagnosis for COPD is vital to keep it from worsening.
Talk to your doctor about getting a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT), like spirometry. This test measures how much air you can inhale and exhale, and it can help determine whether you have COPD.
Effective COPD treatment involves a combination of medications, devices, and health support actions. Treatment may include pulmonary rehabilitation programs (to keep the lungs strong and slow the progression of COPD) and, in more severe cases, advanced treatment options may be recommended to continue to manage the condition and improve quality of life.
Medications: Once diagnosed with COPD, your healthcare provider will prescribe medications to help manage the disease, slow its progression, and make it easier to breathe. It's important to take these medications as prescribed, even if you feel well and have no symptoms. If you encounter any issues with following your COPD Action Plan (or treatment plan), contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Proper Device Use: Getting medications into the lungs requires proper device use. Be sure to show your medical provider how you use your device to ensure you are using it correctly. Common issues include the timing of medication release, inhaling the medications correctly, holding your breath (with an inhaler device), monitoring the dose counter, and taking care of your device.
COPD Action Plans: Your healthcare provider should provide you with a personalized COPD Action Plan that will guide you in keeping up your treatment and managing your COPD if things worsen. These plans should kept up-to-date with any changes to medications and other recommendations. This written plan can also help family members and caretakers understand how they can support you in keeping your COPD stable. Diet, smoking cessation and exercise guidance may also be included in your plan.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR): This program combines educational classes and supervised exercise sessions for people with chronic breathing difficulty, including COPD. Your provider will either provide or refer you to this program to help you understand COPD better, learn about your medications, recognize your triggers, and improve your quality of life through strength and endurance training.
In some cases, you might need more advanced treatment options for COPD. These can include oxygen therapy, endobronchial valve therapy, non-invasive ventilation, lung transplantation, surgery, and more intensive support.
Managing COPD effectively involves daily self-care to slow disease progression, reducing further damage to the lungs, and help maintain an active, fulfilling life. Here are some important steps:
- Understand COPD and its effects on your lungs
- Consistently take prescribed medications, even when you feel well, and ensure you can use the correct medication and device properly.
- Identify and avoid the risk factors for developing COPD, causing flare ups of symptoms, and for making the disease worse. Quitting smoking is one of the most important actions you can take. For help, visit 802Quits.org.
- Avoid secondhand smoke and environmental irritants that can further damage your lungs and make breathing harder.
- Be familiar with and adhere to your COPD Action Plan. Share it with family and caretakers to aid in managing your COPD or help deal with any emergencies.
- Follow your healthcare provider’s advice on pulmonary rehabilitation, exercise, and additional supports.
These are additional actions you can take to manage your COPD, slow its progression, and promote a good quality of life. Discuss how best to carry out these steps with your healthcare provider to be sure you maintain stable, well managed COPD.
- Stay physically active. Your region’s Area Agency on Aging likely offers free or discounted exercise options.
- Ask your provider about the potential for nutrition counseling and a fresh food prescription.
- If you are struggling with your diagnosis, anxiety and/or depression, ask your provider about counseling options.
- Protect yourself from lung infections by staying up to date on your vaccinations:
- Get a flu (influenza) vaccine every year.
- Get the pneumonia (pneumococcal) vaccine.
- Get all available COVID-19 vaccines and make sure you have had the latest boosters.
- Have good communication and relationships with family, friends, caretakers, and your healthcare team to keep things positive and on the right track.
- Continue to do the things you like to do and pursue new interests to protect your physical and mental health.
