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. 

Causes of COPD
History of Respiratory Conditions

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

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.

Certain Occupations

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.

Environmental Exposures

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.

Injuries and Genetic Conditions

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.

If you are in any of the following higher risk groups talk with your medical provider about periodic lung function testing to screen for COPD. An early diagnosis and reducing risk factors are key to empowering you and your family members to prevent COPD or slow its progression and to ensure sustained quality of life and easy breathing.

Stages of COPD: Prevention, Treatment and Management

Although there is no cure, the positive news is that COPD can be prevented and treated.

Prevention

  • The prevention tips below are helpful for everyone. But if you're in a high-risk group, take these immediate steps to prevent COPD or slow its progression: 
  • If you think you may be at risk for COPD, talk to your healthcare provider and consider getting screened with a lung function test (see Early Diagnosis for more info).
  • Quitting smoking (cigarettes and little cigars) and stopping vape products is the most important step you can take. Those who smoke and vape can be at the highest risk/greater risk for 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.
  • The risk of COPD drops rapidly when you stop smoking. Even if you have been smoking for many years, quitting at any age has benefits and can still help prevent risk of or progression of COPD.
  • 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.
  • Use appropriate and safe protective gear if you work in occupations that are at higher risk for COPD.
     

Early Diagnosis

If you're in a high-risk group, 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.

Treatment

Effective COPD treatment involve a combination of medications and devices, and a personalized action plan created by your providers. Additionally, rehabilitation programs and, in severe cases, advanced treatment options may be necessary to manage the condition and improve quality of life.

Medications

Once diagnosed with COPD, your doctor will prescribe medications to manage the disease and slow its progression. It's important to take these medications as prescribed, even if you feel well and have no symptoms. If you encounter any issues with your treatment plan, contact your doctor immediately.

Proper Device Use

Getting medications into the lungs requires proper use of your device. Be sure to show your doctor how you use your device to ensure its correct. Common issues include the timing of medication release, inhaling the medications correctly, holding your breath, monitoring the dose counter, and taking care of your device.

COPD Action Plans

Your healthcare provider should give you a COPD Action Plan that outlines your treatment and provides instructions on managing your condition. This 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 designed for people with chronic breathing difficulties, 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. 

More Advanced Treatment and Care Options

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.

Management 

Managing COPD effectively involves daily self-care to slow the disease's progression and 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. Ensure that you use the correct medication and device properly.
  • Identify and avoid triggers and risk factors for COPD. Quitting smoking is crucial. For help, visit 802Quits.org. 
  • If you are concerned about potential exposure in the workplace, talk to your manager and/or the Vermont Department of Labor. Make sure to request and use protective equipment.
  • 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 symptoms or emergencies
  • Follow your healthcare provider's advice on pulmonary rehabilitation, exercise, and additional support.
     

Additional Steps

These are additional actions you can take to manage your COPD, slow its progression, and promote a good quality of life.

  • Stay physically active. Your region’s Area Agencies 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 health care team members 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.

These pages are designed to provide information, resources and tools to help you understand and prevent COPD, learn about best practice treatment and care approaches, and better manage COPD and support good quality of life living with COPD. 

Last Updated: