Types of COPD
COPD is not a single disease. Many people experience a mix of both chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
For many, breathing happens without a second thought: quiet, easy, and steady. But for people living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, every breath can take effort. Simple moments, like walking the dog or climbing stairs, may feel harder than they should. But with awareness, care, and the right support, living well with COPD is possible.
What is COPD?
COPD is a long-term lung condition caused by damage to the lungs. The damage causes swelling in airways, making it harder to move air in and out of the lungs.
Smoking is the leading cause of COPD, but it is not the only one. Years of exposure to air pollution, dust, chemicals, secondhand smoke, and even genetics can also play a role. COPD often develops slowly, and there is no cure.
CHRONIC BRONCHITIS
When Airways Stay Inflamed
Chronic bronchitis affects the bronchial tubes, causing swelling and extra mucus that make breathing harder. A common sign is a long-lasting cough that produces mucus. The irritation raises the risk of infections and makes it harder to breathe.
EMPHYSEMA
When Air Sacs Lose Their Strength
Emphysema damages the tiny air sacs in the lungs, making it harder for them to stretch and work properly. Air can get trapped in the lungs, which makes exhaling harder with shortness of breath, even during simple activities.
How to Recognize COPD
Early signs of COPD can be easy to overlook, and some people attribute the signs to aging or being out of shape. Recognizing COPD early can make a big difference. Signs to watch for include:
- Getting short of breath during everyday activities
- A cough that doesn’t go away
- Producing more mucus than usual
- Feeling more tired or less able to stay active
If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s worth talking to your doctor. A simple breathing test, called spirometry, can help check how well your lungs are working. Early diagnosis allows you to take steps that can slow COPD and protect your lung health.
Take Small Steps for a Big Impact
Living with COPD means giving your lungs extra care each day. Notice what affects your breathing, what helps or worsens symptoms, and work with your doctor to choose tools and routines that fit your life. While there’s no cure, small lifestyle changes can become part of your routine and help make breathing easier and daily life more comfortable.
Quit smoking
This is the most powerful step to protect your lungs!
Discuss treatment options
These may include oral or inhaled medications, or pulmonary rehab.
Improve air quality at home
Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth, keep windows closed near busy roads, and choose unscented cleaning products. When possible, use an air purifier.
Incorporate healthy habits
Stay active with gentle movement, eat well, and lean on support from others.
Managing COPD During Cold and Flu Season
Cold and flu season can be especially challenging for people living with COPD, as even minor illnesses can worsen symptoms.
Take simple steps to help protect your lungs.
- Stay up to date on vaccines, such as flu, COVID-19, and RSV
- Wash your hands often
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick, or wear a mask in crowded spaces
- Stay hydrated and use a humidifier if recommended
- Pay attention to changes in breathing, coughing, or mucus, and contact your doctor early if symptoms worsen
Breathing Techniques
It's important to avoid shortness of breath when you have COPD. Breath training can help you take deeper breaths so you can breathe easier and feel better. Some breath training methods include pursed-lip breathing, and belly breathing.
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Pursed-lip Breathing
Pursed-lip breathing helps you breathe more air out so that your next breath can be deeper. Give it a try:
- Sit comfortably in a chair.
- Relax your neck and shoulders.
- With your mouth closed, breathe in slowly through your nose for two seconds. You don’t need to take a deep breath. You should feel your belly move outward as you inhale.
- Purse (pucker) your lips as if you’re going to whistle or blow on a hot drink.
- Breathe out slowly and gently through your pursed lips for four or more seconds. Allow your belly to slowly shrink back toward your spine.
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Belly Breathing
Belly breathing helps your lungs expand so that they take in more air. Give it a try:
- Sit comfortably with your knees bent. Relax your shoulders, head and neck.
- Place one hand on your upper chest and the other just below your rib cage.
- Breathe in slowly through your nose so that your stomach moves out against your hand. The hand on your chest should remain as still as possible.
- Tighten your stomach muscles, so that your stomach moves back in, as you exhale through pursed lips. The hand on your upper chest must remain as still as possible.
Source: Cleveland Clinic
Your COPD Action Plan
A COPD action plan is a written plan that tells you how to treat your COPD and what to do when your symptoms get worse. It helps you make quick decisions in an emergency. Your action plan has three zones based on your symptoms.
Your doctor can help you fill out your action plan. For each zone, ask your doctor what type—and what amount—of medicine you should take for your symptoms.
Copyrighted material adapted with permission from Ignite Healthwise, LLC. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.