ST CLAIR AMBULANCE

HEALTH AND FAMILY INFORMATION AWARENESS

provided by Jenifer Goodson

November is COPD Awareness Month. So, what is COPD and what causes this disease? COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. This is a respiratory disease that is very common. COPD is a disease that obstructs the airways making breathing difficult.

The most common causes of COPD are cigarette smoking and long term exposure to chemicals and dusts found on a job.

The single most effective way to prevent COPD is to stop smoking. If you already have COPD, stopping smoking will not make the disease go away, but it can help slow the progression.

If you have questions or concerns about COPD, ask your doctor. To diagnose this disease a lung function test should be performed. There is not a cure for COPD, but there are medications and treatments that are available to help a person feel better and slow damage to the lungs.

For more information about this disease ask your doctor or visit www.uscopd.com