MIAMI & NEW YORK, (Nov. 30, 2023) - When it comes to diagnosing, managing, and treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), primary care is crucial. The COPD Foundation recommends early detection, open communication with a primary care provider, and adherence to treatment plans to fight this progressive lung disease.

COPD is a health crisis that affects more than an estimated 250 million people and is the third leading cause of death worldwide. It encompasses conditions like chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Risk factors for the disease include smoking tobacco, genetics, air pollution, occupational exposures, and early life factors like frequent lung infections. Despite its prevalence, few know the signs and symptoms of COPD early in their lung health journey. The COPD Foundation outlines the following steps to empower COPD patients and initiate long-term lung health.

• Recognize the symptoms.
  • Early warning signs of COPD such as shortness of breath and chronic cough are often mistaken for symptoms of flu or allergies. However, if symptoms persist over time, it is best to start a conversation with a primary care provider. The COPD Foundation also provides a free COPD risk screener.
• Discuss it with a primary care provider.
  • If there is a suspicion of COPD symptoms, the COPD Foundation recommends discussing concerns with a primary care provider early and often. The conversation should include medical history, lifestyle, and other environmental risk factors. An open conversation can lead to early diagnosis and more effective treatment.
• Follow a treatment plan.
  • Primary care providers can build a tailored treatment plan for patients that may include medication, pulmonary rehab, lifestyle changes, or oxygen therapy. A recommended treatment plan helps patients manage the disease and live well despite the disease burden. Following a treatment plan also helps primary care providers monitor their patients for any change in disease status.

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The eighth annual GOLD International COPD Conference kicks off Monday, Nov. 13

MIAMI & NEW YORK, (Nov. 10, 2023) – The COPD Foundation is proud to partner with the Global Initiative for Lung Health (GOLD) and Temple Lung Center (TLC) to present a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patient session at the eighth annual GOLD International Lung Health Conference on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023 in Philadelphia. The free session is the first for the GOLD Lung Health Conference and will provide medication management tips, exacerbation prevention information, pulmonary rehab resources, and oxygen therapy tips to patients and caregivers. It will be offered in-person and virtually.

The patient session is part of a two-day international educational symposium from November 13-14 that will provide the latest in COPD care and management.

COPD affects more than 30 million Americans and is the third leading cause of death worldwide. Symptoms include breathlessness, fatigue, and chronic cough. The chronic lung disease comprises several conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and can be caused by smoking, genetics, early life factors like frequent lung infections, and environmental irritants like smoke or pollution.

This year’s conference will cover the newest developments and breakthroughs in COPD treatment, symptom management, and research while providing health care providers and patients an opportunity to learn from and network with global COPD experts.

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The COPD Foundation encourages exercise for those with chronic lung disease as part of COPD Awareness Month in November

MIAMI & NEW YORK (Nov. 3, 2023) - New research from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation reports that individuals with COPD who experience high levels of symptoms are less likely to be physically active. Exercise is proven to be one of the most effective ways to reduce the long-term impact of this widespread chronic lung disease. The study underlines the importance of COPD screening and early diagnosis for symptom intervention and disease management.

COPD affects more than 30 million Americans and is the third leading cause of death worldwide, yet awareness of the disease's symptoms, methods to reduce risk, and disease management remains poor. COPD symptoms include breathlessness, fatigue, and chronic cough. According to research, regular physical activity can help COPD patients breathe better, feel better, and live longer, more fulfilling lives. COPD patients who are inactive increase their risk of exacerbations, hospital admissions, reduced lung function, and poor quality of life.

A recent study published in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation expanded upon prior research related to exercise and COPD by investigating how a diverse group of Canadians' symptom burdens influenced their physical activity levels. The study found that individuals engaged in less physical activity when they reported a high symptom burden compared to those with milder symptoms. This was true for individuals diagnosed with just “mild” COPD and those previously undiagnosed but experiencing symptoms.

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Patients, Clinicians, and Supporters Join Forces to Champion Lung Health Research, Education, and Advocacy

MIAMI & NEW YORK, (Oct. 31, 2023) - November is COPD Awareness Month. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which affects more than 30 million Americans, is a serious chronic lung disease characterized by shortness of breath. During the month of November, the COPD Foundation invites people to participate in a variety of awareness events to bring attention to the patient community and support critical research, education, and advocacy efforts.

COPD comprises several conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and can be caused by genetics, irritants like smoke or pollution, or early life events like lung infections.

Although the disease is the third leading cause of death worldwide, there is little awareness of the disease's symptoms, risk factors, and disease management techniques. Increased public awareness of COPD and its symptoms during the month of November helps drive funding for critical research and treatments, encourages early diagnosis, and raises awareness of educational and support resources.

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