So, what is this COPD, how do I know if I have it, and what in the world can I do about it?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a term referring to the combination of two lung diseases: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. There is some debate about whether asthma should be included as a component of COPD. Personally, I think it should, because even though emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and asthma are different from each other, they all play a role in the development of COPD. Obstruction in airflow means that you have trouble getting your air out. Having airway obstruction over time stretches out your lungs, causing them to lose the elasticity they need to move the air and help you breathe. Think about a new balloon and an old balloon and the elastic recoil of each. We want our lungs to be more like that new balloon, able to get rid of the used up air without us having to work at it. The amount of obstruction and damage in COPD can be quite significant before you begin to feel short of breath. That is why early testing and diagnosis is so important! Once you know what you're dealing with, there is a lot you can do and we'll tackle that next time.

Now, the big question, the one you might not even be ready to face, but remember, no matter how bad it is, knowing is always better than living in denial. Yes, I've heard it said that denial is nature's way of giving you a good night's sleep. Sure, that works for a while, but not forever. Here we go...

Could You be at Risk for Having COPD?

• Are you 40 years old or older, currently smoke cigarettes or have smoked in the past?
• Are you 40 years old or older and have a history of breathing irritants in your home environment or work place?
• Do you sometimes have coughing fits or trouble breathing when exerting?
• Do you have frequent bouts of bronchitis?
• Do you cough up mucus or phlegm in the morning?
• Does asthma, bronchitis or emphysema run in your family?
• Do you sometimes have trouble keeping up with people your own age?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you may be at risk for developing COPD. You should talk to your doctor and ask him or her to consider ordering spirometry (a quick and simple lung function test). http://www.nlhep.org/spirom1.html

So, there you are. Today you asked some tough questions and you got perhaps, some tough answers. But remember, knowing is always a whole lot better, and a whole lot healthier, than not knowing. COPD is not curable, but it can be managed and treated for years and years of health! Now its time to do what you need to do, and move forward.

Next time we'll talk about what you can do and where you can find help if you've just been diagnosed with COPD.

Happy Holidays, everybody, and I'll see you in a couple of weeks!