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Question: What are the symptoms of COPD? Answer: Chronic cough, wheezing, shortness of breath and excessive mucus production. Question: How many people die of COPD? Answer: In 1998, according to the National Lung and Blood Institute, 107 thousand people died of COPD. Question: If I quit smoking, will it help me even if I have COPD? Answer: Yes, quitting smoking will slow progress of the disease and improve lung function. Question: What tests are available to detect COPD? Answer: The National Lung Health Education Program (NLHEP) recommends that spirometry testing be used. This test measures airflow over time. It is painless and simple. Please ask your physician or respiratory therapist about the test. Question: Who should be tested for COPD? Answer: Anyone with the symptoms described previously and all smokers 45 years of age or older. |
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