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Are You at Risk for COPD?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States with more than 12 million Americans diagnosed with the disease. Also referred to as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, COPD is a lung disease that constricts the airways and makes it difficult to breathe. COPD often goes undiagnosed.
Are you at risk?
There is no cure for COPD but it is a preventable disease that is most often caused by long-term smoking. COPD risk factors include:
• Any of these symptoms: shortness of breath, chronic cough, trouble performing daily simple tasks like climbing stairs, grocery shopping or laundry
• Over age 40 and currently smoke or used to smoke
• Work/live around chemicals or fumes
• Certain genetic conditions
Prevention and Control Measures for COPD include:
• Talk with your healthcare provider about shortness of breath, chronic cough or decline in activity level.
• Get a simple breathing test, also known as spirometry.
• Quit smoking. If you need help, call the Georgia Tobacco Quit Line at 1-877-270-STOP (7867) or talk with your doctor.
• Avoid pollutants or fumes that can irritate your lungs.
To find out if you are at risk for COPD, take the COPD screener by clicking on the link below and then share the risk factors and prevention/control measures with co-workers, friends, and family.
Click here for the COPD Screener provided by DRIVE4COPD, a multi-year public health initiative that aims to help people identify symptoms of COPD and take action.
To access COPD e-Cards, click here.