Live Better with COPD Make an Appointment Ask a Question Search Conditions This information has been reviewed and approved by James O'Brien, MD, and Ann Mullen, RN (October 2019). Live Better with COPD What is COPD? Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death in America, and 20% of people who get COPD have never smoked. COPD is a group of diseases where airflow out of the lungs is limited. With COPD, you may have any or all of these diseases. Emphysema Bronchiolitis Chronic bronchitis Asthma (if airflow obstruction can be reversed) Symptoms Shortness of breath with activity Cough Excessive volume of sputum Sputum that looks infected Avoid Infections Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. Don’t spread germs – cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue. Don’t touch your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Get a flu vaccine every fall. Get the vaccines against pneumococcal bacteria. Avoid crowds and people who are sick. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle Maintain a healthy weight. Get regular exercise such as walking, water aerobics or riding a stationary bike. Learn breathing techniques to move air into and out of your lungs. Ask your doctor about pulmonary rehabilitation and physical therapy. Give up smoking. Use coughing and other techniques to get rid of mucus. Use oxygen when it is prescribed. Take medications as prescribed. Use correct technique with inhaled medication. Did You Know? A person with COPD uses 750 calories per day just to breathe. A person without COPD uses 50 calories per day to breathe. COPD is treatable. More Information on COPD What is COPD? COPD Causes COPD Symptoms COPD Diagnosis COPD Treatment Managing Life with COPD COPD Life Tutorial Skills COPD FAQs Clinical Trials Want to use this on your website? Fill out the content usage request form and then copy this code: