Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, is a condition that affects millions of people across the United States. Despite its prevalence, many are unfamiliar with what it is, who it affects, and how it’s managed.
Understanding this complex lung disease is the first step toward better management and an improved quality of life for those living with it.
As November is COPD Awareness Month in the United States, Right2Breathe is beginning a weekly educational campaign. In this blog series, we will walk you through the essential facts about COPD in 2025. We’ll then dive into specific lung diseases, treatments, and introduce you to several innovators in COPD medical research. Additionally, we’ll share patient and caregiver resources, as well as some inspiring stories.
In this first blog, we will cover its definition, causes, symptoms, and the latest information on diagnosis and treatment. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of what it means to live with COPD in America and know where to find reliable support and resources.
What is COPD?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. It’s an umbrella term used to describe a group of lung conditions, the most common being emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
- Emphysema slowly destroys the air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs, reducing their ability to exchange oxygen and making it hard to exhale.
- Chronic bronchitis causes long-term inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes, leading to persistent cough and mucus build up.
COPD is often caused by long-term exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, and chemical fumes. This damages the lungs and leads to chronic inflammation and airway obstruction, which can eventually progress into COPD.
The most common symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, chronic coughing, mucus production, wheezing, and chest tightness. These symptoms may initially be mild and then gradually worsen over time.
Most people with COPD have a combination of both conditions. The damage to the lungs is gradual, which means symptoms often don’t appear until significant lung damage has already occurred. This progression makes early awareness, diagnosis, and treatment critical.
How Many Americans Live with COPD in 2025?
It is estimated that nearly 16 million Americans are diagnosed with COPD. However, experts believe the actual number is much higher, with millions more potentially living with the disease without a formal diagnosis. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, highlighting its significant impact on public health.
The condition affects people of all backgrounds, but it is more common in specific demographics. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with COPD than men, and the risk increases significantly with age, particularly for those over 40.
Causes and Risk Factors
While several factors can contribute to the development of COPD, smoking is by far the most common cause.
- Smoking: This is the leading cause of COPD. About 70% to 75% of all COPD cases are caused by cigarette smoking. Pipe, cigar, and other types of tobacco smoke can also cause COPD.
- Secondhand Smoke: Long-term exposure to secondhand smoke can also contribute to the development of lung disease.
- Chemical Exposure: Continual exposure to aerosols, chemical agents, carbon emissions, and poor indoor HVAC filtration can also damage the lungs.
- Environmental Pollutants: Exposure to dust, chemical fumes, and other irritants in the workplace or home over a long period can damage the lungs.
- Genetics: A rare genetic disorder called alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency can cause COPD. People with this condition have low levels of a protein that protects the lungs.
Symptoms of COPD
The symptoms of COPD often develop slowly and can be mistaken for normal signs of aging. As the disease progresses, these symptoms become more severe.
Common Symptoms Include:
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activities
- A persistent cough that may produce mucus (clear, white, yellow, or greenish)
- Wheezing (a whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe)
- Chest tightness
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Lack of energy
- Unintended weight loss (in later stages)
- Swelling in ankles, feet, or legs
If you experience these symptoms regularly, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider. Early detection and treatment can lead to better management of the disease.
Diagnosing COPD
To determine if you have COPD, your doctor will likely review your symptoms, ask about your medical history (including your history of exposure to lung irritants), and conduct a physical exam.
However, before they complete physical examinations, they will likely ask a series of questions to help determine if the patient is at risk for developing COPD. At Right2Breathe, we’ve created this simple 5-question screener that we’d like you to take as a proactive first step.
How Spirometry Helps Diagnose COPD
The most common test to confirm a COPD diagnosis is a simple breathing test called spirometry. This test measures how much air you can inhale and exhale, as well as how quickly you can exhale.
At Right2Breathe, our respiratory experts depend on the reliability of ndd Medical EasyOne Air Spirometers. Utilizing TrueFlow™ technology, this portable spirometer delivers reliable results without the need for calibration to ensure lifetime worry-free operation.
Thanks to the vivid color touch screen, it is easy to navigate, view real-time results, and enter data. Since we complete most of our COPD screenings outdoors, this portable spirometer is the perfect solution for consistent results.
Spirometry is completed by pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and primary care physicians, and can detect COPD even before you have significant symptoms. Other tests, such as a chest X-ray or CT scan, may also be used to get a closer look at your lungs.
COPD Treatment Options in 2025
While there is no cure for COPD, various treatments can help manage symptoms, slow the progression of the disease, and improve your quality of life. Treatment plans are tailored to the individual’s needs.
- Bronchodilators: These medications, often delivered through an inhaler, relax the muscles around your airways to help open them up and make breathing easier.
- Steroids: Inhaled or oral steroids can help reduce airway inflammation in the airways.
- Combination Inhalers: These inhalers include two or three types of medications for improved control.
- Oxygen Therapy: For those with low blood oxygen levels, supplemental oxygen can help you breathe better and stay active.
- Biologic Medications: For certain patients with COPD linked to airway inflammation or asthma overlap, may also help to reduce flare-ups.
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation: This program combines exercise, disease management training, and counseling to help you stay active and improve your well-being.
Lifestyle Changes to Manage COPD in 2025
In addition to medical treatments, specific lifestyle changes can significantly improve the management of COPD.
- Quit Smoking: If you smoke, this is the most effective way to slow the progression of COPD.
- Stay Active: Regular, gentle exercise can strengthen your respiratory muscles and improve your overall fitness. Working with a Respiratory Therapist is a great way to proactively and safely exercise your lungs.
- Eat a Healthy Diet: Good nutrition is vital. Some people with COPD find it helpful to eat smaller, more frequent meals to avoid feeling too full to breathe comfortably.
- Avoid Lung Irritants: Steer clear of secondhand smoke, dust, and strong fumes that can irritate your lungs.
Living with COPD in 2025
Receiving a COPD diagnosis can be overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that you can still live a full and active life. Managing the condition involves working closely with your healthcare team to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. This plan should be reviewed and adjusted regularly to ensure it continues to meet your needs.
Learning to manage flare-ups, also known as exacerbations, is a key part of living with COPD. These are periods when your symptoms become worse than usual and may require a change in medication or even hospitalization. Your doctor can help you create an action plan to know exactly what to do if that happens.
Finding Resources and Support
You are not alone on this journey. Many organizations provide valuable information, support, and resources for people living with COPD and their families.
- Right2Breathe.org: Our non-profit organization hosts Pulmonary Chat, a free online virtual meeting, hosted by lung health experts three times per month. If you’d like to sign up for our meetings, please click here.
- The American Lung Association: Provides comprehensive information on lung health, including a dedicated section on COPD.
- Local Support Groups: Connecting with others who have COPD can provide emotional support and practical advice.
Take Control of Your Lung Health
If you’ve read this blog and thought to yourself, “Well, this is pretty basic information,” that’s the point. Believe it or not, most Americans who are currently living with COPD have no idea what it is, what the cause is, or how to get diagnosed. That’s our intended audience with this article.
So, here is how you can help us. Please share this blog via your social network pages, especially if you have friends, family members, or co-workers who might be at risk.
COPD is a serious condition, but with early detection, the right knowledge, treatment, and support, it can be managed effectively. Understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and seeking early diagnosis are essential steps toward better lung health.
If you are at risk or experiencing symptoms, don’t hesitate to speak with a healthcare professional. Taking proactive steps today can help you breathe easier tomorrow.