Written and medically reviewed by Dorcas Morak, Pharm.D
Millions of people worldwide are affected by Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), making awareness and education about the condition essential for early diagnosis, effective treatment, and improving the quality of life for those living with the disease. COPD Awareness Month, observed every November, provides an opportunity to focus on these goals. In 2024, COPD Awareness Month runs from November 1st to November 30th, offering a dedicated time to learn more about COPD and support those affected.
What is COPD?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung condition that makes breathing increasingly difficult over time. It is characterized by chronic symptoms such as shortness of breath, persistent cough, and excess mucus production. COPD is often confused with asthma, but they are distinct conditions. COPD primarily includes two main diseases: chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
- Chronic bronchitis involves ongoing inflammation of the airways, causing excessive mucus production and a persistent cough.
- Emphysema damages the alveoli (air sacs in the lungs), impairing the lungs' ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide efficiently.
Risk Factors and Causes of COPD
Smoking is the leading cause of COPD, responsible for up to 75% of cases in the United States. Even secondhand smoke exposure increases the risk of developing COPD. Other risk factors include:
- Long-term exposure to air pollution.
- Occupational exposure to dust, chemicals, or fumes.
- A genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (A1AT), which makes individuals more vulnerable to lung damage.
Symptoms of COPD
COPD symptoms usually develop gradually and may not be noticeable until significant lung damage has occurred. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent cough (often referred to as a "smoker's cough")
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
- Wheezing
- Excessive mucus production
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Fatigue
Diagnosing COPD
Early detection is key to managing COPD and slowing its progression. Diagnosis typically involves:
- Medical history: Reviewing risk factors, such as smoking or exposure to irritants.
- Spirometry: A breathing test that measures lung function and airflow limitation.
- Imaging: Chest X-rays or CT scans to assess lung damage.
- Blood tests: To check for conditions like alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
Treatment Options for COPD
Though there is no cure for COPD, treatment can help manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and prevent disease progression. Common treatment options include:
- Smoking cessation: Quitting smoking is the most effective way to slow the disease.
- Medications: Inhalers and pills can help manage symptoms and prevent exacerbations.
- Pulmonary rehabilitation: A program that includes exercise, education, and support for people with COPD.
- Oxygen therapy: For those with severe COPD who have low blood oxygen levels.
- Vaccinations: Flu and pneumonia vaccines are essential to prevent respiratory infections that can worsen COPD.
Medications Used to Manage COPD
Medications play a central role in controlling COPD symptoms. Inhalers, which deliver medication directly to the lungs, are the most common treatment option. Types of medications include:
- Short-acting bronchodilators: Used for quick relief during acute flare-ups, such as albuterol (ProAir) and levalbuterol (levalbuterol (Xopenex).
- Long-acting bronchodilators: Used daily to keep the airways open, such as salmeterol (Serevent), formoterol (Perforomist), and tiotropium (Spiriva).
- Combination inhalers: Containing both long-acting bronchodilators and corticosteroids, these provide long-term symptom control. Examples include budesonide/formoterol (Symbicort) and fluticasone/vilanterol (Breo Ellipta).
- Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS): Such as fluticasone (Flovent), reduce airway inflammation in some COPD patients.
- Oral medications: Pills like theophylline (Elixophyllin) and roflumilast (Daliresp) help reduce inflammation and prevent exacerbations in severe cases.
Managing COPD Costs with RxLess
COPD is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing treatment, which can become expensive over time. RxLess offers a way to manage these costs by providing discounts on medications. By downloading the free app and joining the RxLess Assurance Plan, you can compare prescription prices at local pharmacies and save up to 88% on COPD medications.
