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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a serious condition that makes breathing difficult. Follow these tips to bring your lung health into focus — at any age.
I’m in my 20s or 30s. I look after my lungs by: Not smoking, because 75% of people with COPD have a history of cigarette smoking; Avoiding exposure to lung irritants like: Air pollution, Chemical fumes, Dust from the environment or workplace; Talking to my doctor about changes in my breathing. About 1 in 33 younger adults has COPD.
I’m in my 40s or 50s. I maintain my lung health by: Talking with my doctor about: My COPD symptoms: Coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, fatigue, shortness of breath; My family history of COPD; Exposure to things like cigarette smoke and air pollution; Learning how to manage COPD if I’m diagnosed; Asking for help with quitting smoking. About 1 in 12 middle-aged adults has COPD.
I’m over 60. I manage my COPD by: Sticking with my treatment plan; Knowing the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation, good nutrition, physical activity; Staying current with flu, pneumococcal, and COVID-19 vaccines; Seeking help to quit smoking to slow down my COPD. About 1 in 7 older adults has COPD.
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COPD: Portraits of Lung Health at Any Age
About 1 in 33 younger adults has COPD. I'm in my 20s or 30s. I look after my lungs by not smoking; avoiding exposures to lung irritants like air pollution, chemical fumes, and dust from the environment; and talking to my doctor about changes in my breathing.
COPD: Portraits of Lung Health at Any Age
About 1 in 12 middle-aged adults has COPD. I'm in my 40s or 50s. I maintain my lung health by talking with my doctor about my COPD symptoms (coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, fatigue, and shortness of breath); my family history of COPD; and exposure to things like cigarette smoke and air pollution. Learning how to manage COPD if I'm diagnosed. Asking for help with quitting smoking.
COPD: Portraits of Lung Health at Any Age
About 1 in 7 older adults has COPD. I'm over 60. I manage my COPD by sticking with my treatment plan; knowing the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation, good nutrition, and physical activity; staying current with flu, pneumococcal, and COVID-19 vaccines; and seeking help to quit smoking to slow down my COPD.