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.
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.
