As with any chronic disease, the sooner you are diagnosed, the better. With a delay in diagnosis, you may have already missed some time in having the right treatment. But that doesn't mean it's too late to get on board with effective medications and treatment.

Can COPD be cured, reversed, or treated?

• Is COPD curable? Not yet. Scientists are beginning to look at specific genes, which influence the development of COPD in people who do not have Alpha-1.
• Is it reversible? Partially. Taken properly, COPD medications do a good job in temporarily opening tight air passages.
• Is it treatable? Absolutely! COPD is highly treatable with medications, exercise, and a wide range of education and support.

At what stage are younger people most likely to be diagnosed?

Unfortunately, most younger people with COPD aren't diagnosed when COPD symptoms first occur. Many times, doctors pass breathing problems off as asthma or bronchitis, saying that the patient is "too young" to have COPD. Sadly, if the patient has smoked, health care professionals also may have the "you had it coming" attitude.

Don't always take asthma for the only answer to your breathing problems. Many people with Alpha-1 deficiency, as well as others with COPD, were diagnosed with asthma for years (by more than one doctor) before they finally found out they had Alpha-1.

One more question:

If I'm diagnosed with COPD at a young age, will I receive different treatment than older people with COPD?

For the answer to this question and more, Watch for my next sharepost on Young with COPD to learn if young people with COPD get different treatment than older people with COPD and more.