4. Nearly 12 million Americans with COPD don’t know they have it.
5. Chest tightness, frequent shortness of breath and coughing, difficulty sleeping, wheezing, weight loss and chronic fatigue can all be symptoms of COPD.
6. If you are exhibiting any symptoms associated with COPD, see your doctor immediately. Your doctor will perform lung function tests and prescribe medications if COPD is the diagnosis.
7. There is no cure for COPD.
8. To decrease your risk of COPD or slow its progression, quit smoking if you are a smoker and if you don’t smoke never start.
9. Daily exercise, improved nutrition and following your doctor’s treatment plan are all ways to manage your COPD and improve your well-being.
10. One in five Americans over the age of 45 years old has COPD.
Visit the BlackDoctor.org COPD center for more articles.