COPD: early signs and why diagnosis matters
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, and millions of people may have it without knowing. Catching it early makes a real difference.
What is COPD?
COPD is a long-term lung disease that makes it hard to move air out of the lungs. It includes:
- Emphysema, where the tiny air sacs are damaged
- Chronic bronchitis, where the airways are inflamed and produce extra mucus
Many people have features of both.
Causes
- Smoking is the main cause in the US.
- Long-term exposure to secondhand smoke, dust, chemical fumes and air pollution
- A genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, which can cause COPD even in nonsmokers
- Childhood lung problems, such as severe asthma
Early warning signs
COPD develops slowly, so people often blame early symptoms on age or being out of shape:
- Shortness of breath, especially with activity
- A cough that lasts for months, often with mucus
- Wheezing
- Frequent chest infections
- Feeling tired or less able to do things you used to do
The test: spirometry
COPD is diagnosed with spirometry, a simple, painless breathing test. You take a deep breath and blow out as hard and fast as you can into a tube. It measures how much air you can blow out and how quickly. If you have symptoms or risk factors, ask your doctor about it.
Why early diagnosis matters
There's no cure for COPD, but treatment can:
- Relieve symptoms and help you stay active
- Reduce flare-ups and hospital visits
- Slow the decline in lung function, especially if you stop smoking
Treatment options
- Quitting smoking, the single most important step (how your lungs recover)
- Inhaled medicines that open the airways
- Pulmonary rehabilitation: supervised exercise and education
- Vaccines to prevent infections
- Oxygen therapy, for people whose blood oxygen is low
COPD and HBOT
Some people with COPD, especially those with air trapping or lung bullae, face added risks from pressure changes, and HBOT is not a treatment for COPD. Talk to your lung specialist before considering any hyperbaric sessions. See Who should not do HBOT.