COPD is a persistent lung disease with rising disability and mortality. It is the 4th leading cause of death in the U.S. and the world. In the U.S., the most important risk factor for and most common cause of COPD is cigarette smoking. Most people with COPD are smokers or former smokers. There is currently no cure for COPD. The damage to your airways and lungs cannot be reversed, but there are things you can do to feel better and slow the damage to your lungs.
Key symptoms include:
- Long-term (chronic) cough
- Chronic mucus (sputum) production when you cough
- Repeated episodes of acute bronchitis
- Shortness of breath that is persistent and gets worse, occurs during exercise, and worsens during respiratory infections, such as colds
- Learning new information about your condition
- Receiving medical care from physicians during the study
- Participating in the research process that may lead to new therapies
- Compensation for time and mileage