Today is World COPD Day

Today is World COPD Day and though many people may not know what COPD is, more than 12 million people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with the disease and it is the fourth leading cause of death.  COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease--a progressive, life-threatening lung disease that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

People with COPD have airflow obstruction, which leads to the hallmark symptoms of COPD:

·         Chronic cough

·         Chest tightness

·         Shortness of breath

·         Increased effort to breathe

·         Increased mucus production

Over time patients with COPD suffer from shortness of breath so severe that it interferes with their most basic daily activities including sleeping, talking, and even dressing.

The gradual loss of lung function, coupled with other symptoms and exacerbations, which are episodes when a patient's symptoms are markedly worse, often leads to hospitalization and can be disabling and life-threatening.

COPD can be treated.  While there is no cure for COPD, there are treatments available that help patients reduce symptoms of the disease. By enabling better management of COPD symptoms, treatments can improve lung function, increase quality of life, reduce exacerbations and slow disease progression. The earlier a diagnosis is made, the more effective the treatment will be.

Doctors generally advocate lifestyle changes first to slow the progression of COPD. If you are a smoker, quitting smoking is the best way to prevent COPD or stop its progression.  It is never too late to quit smoking!

Many people have COPD and have not been diagnosed--it's estimated that another 12 million people have the disease and don't even know it.  Yet, it is a life-threatening disease that will get worse if not treated.  A simple breathing test called spirometry can help diagnose COPD.  The test is quick, painless, and can often be performed in your doctor's office.

GSK is proud to support World COPD day helping raise awareness of COPD and the need for better patient care. For helpful resources on COPD visit the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's website  or the >American Lung Association website.