COPD is a chronic lung disease. It has its own symptoms. The most common cause of COPD is known. And it's preventable.

Smoking is the primary cause of COPD.
It is 10 times more likely that a smoker will get COPD than a nonsmoker. Exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke may also increase a person's chance of getting COPD.

Another cause of COPD is exposure to indoor or outdoor pollutants. If your job exposes you to toxic chemicals or pollutants, you will also have an increased risk of developing COPD. A recent study found that an estimated 19.2% of COPD cases are connected in part to work-related exposure.

Additionally, COPD can be caused by a rare genetic condition called Alpha‑1 Antitrypsin Deficiency.

COPD is under-diagnosed and under-treated for several reasons:

COPD symptoms are often mistaken for "getting older."
Some people get short of breath during activities. They may just think they're getting older. Or think they are out of shape. Soon they do less and less activity. They begin missing out on things they enjoy.

It's easy to believe that as you age you can do less. But COPD is not a normal part of aging. It's a serious disease that tends to get worse over time.

COPD is easily confused with asthma.
COPD and asthma are different conditions. But they are often confused. Studies have shown that many people with COPD have been told they have asthma. COPD needs to be correctly diagnosed. That way, it can be treated properly. The chart below shows some of the differences.

Smoking history Onset in midlife Symptoms can be consistent from day to day Breath sounds may include wheezing Increased risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes Airflow limitation partially reversible Family history usually not a predictor Hyperinflation may be present	Passive smoking is a risk factor Onset early in life Symptoms episodic and vary from day to day Breath sounds may include wheezing Allergy, rhinitis, and/or eczema present Airflow limitation largely reversible Family history usually a predictor Hyperinflation rarely present

Speaking with your doctor about your symptoms and getting a lung function test (also known as spirometry) can help you get the proper treatment for COPD.

COPD symptoms are often misunderstood during early stages.
Some people believe that they get out of breath or cough just because of smoking. They think that if they quit smoking, the symptoms will go away. But these symptoms are signs of a serious disease that needs treatment. For people who still smoke, quitting smoking is the only way to slow the progression of COPD. If you do smoke, consider talking to your doctor about quitting and ask if you should be taking medication to help you breathe better.

So what can I do if I have COPD?
At first, healthy lifestyle changes may not seem important. But things like exercising regularly, eating healthy foods, and quitting smoking can all add up to an effective recipe for fighting COPD.

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How can I better manage my COPD?
Lifestyle choices and prescription treatment may help.
Read about steps you can take to manage COPD.