What is COPD? Understanding the Condition & Treatment

About Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic long-term lung condition that makes it hard to breathe. It’s often marked by a stubborn cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, and a heavy feeling in the chest. COPD develops when the airways and air sacs in the lungs become damaged or inflamed—usually from years of exposure to cigarette smoke, dust, or fumes. The two main forms of COPD are:

• Emphysema: Damages the air sacs in the lungs
• Chronic bronchitis: Causes swelling and excess mucus in the airways

Most people with COPD experience a combination of both.¹˒²

While living with a lung condition can make everyday tasks feel more difficult, many people find relief and a better quality of life through the right treatment plan, support, and lifestyle adjustments. With the right care, it’s still possible to breathe easier and live well.

Causes & Risk Factors

The leading cause of COPD is long-term cigarette smoking—making quitting smoking the single most important step in preventing or slowing the disease. But tobacco isn’t the only culprit. Other risk factors include: 

• Breathing in air pollution or secondhand smoke
• Long-term exposure to workplace dust or fumes
• Cooking in poorly ventilated areas
• A rare genetic condition: alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency

Protecting your lungs starts with simple, healthy habits: avoiding smoke and pollutants, keeping indoor air clean, and getting regular checkups. While we can’t always control the air we breathe, we can take steps to breathe a little easier every day. ¹

Symptoms & Diagnosis

COPD often starts with subtle signs—

• Shortness of breath after mild activity
• Persistent cough that won’t go away
• Wheezing
• More mucus than usual
• Trouble taking a deep breath

If you’re experiencing symptoms like these, especially if you have a history of smoking or regular exposure to dust, fumes, or air pollution, it’s a good idea to check in with a doctor.

Diagnosing COPD isn’t as intimidating as it might sound. A doctor will ask about your symptoms, lifestyle, and family history, then run a few tests to see how your lungs are working. The most common test is a simple breathing exam called spirometry—it’s quick, painless, and measures how well you can move air in and out of your lungs. You may also get a chest X-ray or wear a small clip on your finger to check your oxygen levels. These tools help doctors get a clear picture of your lung health and rule out other conditions. The good news? A diagnosis is the first step toward getting the support, treatment, and breathing room you deserve. ²

COPD Treatment & Management

While there’s no cure for COPD, the right treatment can make a big difference in how you feel day to day. Most people start with inhalers that relax the airways and help you breathe easier. Some are used every day, while others are taken only when needed. Your doctor might also recommend medications that reduce inflammation in the lungs or loosen up mucus, often delivered through a small machine called a nebulizer. Because COPD is a progressive disease, flare-ups—or sudden worsening of symptoms—can happen and may require urgent medical care. Recognizing the signs of a flare-up early and seeking prompt treatment can help prevent complications and hospital visits.

Lifestyle changes are just as important as medication. If you smoke, quitting is the most powerful step you can take to slow the disease. Pulmonary rehab, often led by a respiratory therapist, can also help. These programs combine breathing exercises, fitness training, and education to boost your stamina and confidence. Simple daily breathing exercises, like pursed-lip breathing or using a spirometer, can improve how efficiently your lungs work over time.

In more advanced cases, oxygen therapy or even surgery might be an option. But for many people, staying active, avoiding triggers like smoke or pollution, and sticking to a daily treatment plan can help them manage COPD and continue enjoying life.¹

Living with COPD

Life doesn’t stop with COPD—it just takes a little more planning. Staying active with lung disease, even with low energy, is key to keeping your lungs working and your mood up. That might mean taking short walks, using light hand weights, or simply moving around the house more often. Pace yourself, and take breaks when you need them—rest is just as important as movement.

Fatigue is common, so prioritize tasks and spread them out through the day. Good nutrition also helps fuel your body without weighing you down. Try smaller, more frequent meals that are rich in protein and nutrients. Avoid salty or gas-producing foods that can make breathing harder. Prevention matters too. Protect your lungs by:

• Stay up to date on flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19 vaccines 
  • Your doctor may also recommend additional vaccinations like the pneumococcal vaccine or the newer RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccine, which can help reduce the risk of serious infections and hospitalizations. 
• Wash hands regularly
• Avoid crowded spaces during cold/flu season

At home, cut down on dust, smoke, and strong odors. And most importantly, stick with your treatment plan and don’t hesitate to ask for support—from your care team, family, or even a counselor if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

With the right routine and mindset, many people live full, active lives for years after a COPD diagnosis.²

Support & Long-Term Care

Caring for someone with COPD can be physically and emotionally demanding—for both the patient and their loved ones. Over time, daily tasks may become harder to manage, and that’s when extra support can make all the difference. Whether it’s part-time help at home or full-time care in a specialized facility, the goal is always the same: helping patients live more comfortably and independently. After a hospitalization due to a severe COPD flare-up or respiratory failure, some patients may benefit from short-term rehabilitation. These programs offer structured support to help individuals regain strength, manage symptoms, and safely transition back home.

Pulmonary rehabilitation programs—offered through many long-term care communities—can make all the difference. These programs combine physical therapy, breathing exercises, and education to help patients build strength, manage symptoms, and feel more in control. As symptoms progress, some people benefit from transitioning into a care setting that offers round-the-clock respiratory support, experienced staff, and advanced equipment.

If you’re a caregiver, know that support is out there for you, too. Many facilities offer training, respite care, and counseling resources to help you stay healthy while providing care. Don’t wait for a crisis—if COPD is starting to limit quality of life, it may be time to explore your options.³

References

[1] “COPD.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 30 Aug. 2024, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353685.

[2] “What Is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?” Cleveland Clinic, 22 Apr. 2025, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8709-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd.

[3] “The Benefits of Pulmonary Management in Long-Term Care.” Home Respiratory Care, Respiratory Supplies & Equipment, www.lincare.com/en/resources/lincare-learning-center/pulmonary-management. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.