Mobile menu
Pledge to stay on top of COPD
/// New COPD research

Science brings new understanding of COPD

Science has looked beyond the lungs and discovered how different types of inflammation are driving COPD, potentially changing the future of how we look at the disease.

Did you know? There is underlying inflammation in your lungs that causes symptoms of COPD.

/// ABOUT COPD ///

Inflammation drives COPD symptoms

The most common contributors to COPD are smoking, occupational exposures (including fumes, dust, and chemical agents), air pollution, and genetic risk factors.

Navy circle with a colorblock graphic of a cigarette. The body of the cigarette is cerulean with a white tip, with red-orange smoke. Navy circle with a colorblock graphic of a cerulean factory with three smokestacks. A red-orange squiggle to evoke pollution sits atop the smokestacks. Navy circle with a colorblock graphic of DNA. The helix is cerulean, and the rungs alternate in red-orange and white.

But no matter how it started, COPD symptoms are strongly associated with chronic inflammation.

Navy circle with a line drawing of light blue lungs. On top of the lungs, there is a graphic of a cerulean cigarette with red-orange smoke.

This inflammation stems from the immune system being triggered by exposure to infections or toxic substances like smoke.

Navy circle with a simple colorblock drawing of alveoli, or air sacs in the lungs, becoming smaller.

It leads to the airways in the lungs becoming smaller and to increased mucus production,

Navy circle with a light blue silhouette of a person coughing. The person is coughing into their fist. Out of their mouth are three red-orange lines.

causing symptoms to worsen and more COPD flare-ups

Did you know? Every severe flare-up, whether it’s manageable at home or requires hospitalization, can lead to worsening lung function. 

///  COPD symptoms and management  ///

Every flare-up makes the disease worse

Every COPD flare-up increases the risk of having another. It may cause a decline in lung function, which leads to worsening symptoms and a higher risk of another unpredictable flare-up.

Two arrows going in a circle to evoke a cycle. On the left, we see “flare-up occurs”, and an arrow comes from the center to point to “flare-up risk increases.” Another arrow comes from the base of this text, pointing back at “flare-up occurs.”

It can be hard to break out of this spiral, even for people with COPD already using inhalers and steroids, so it’s important to reduce this risk.

While it may be difficult at times to do so, recognizing when your current treatment is not sufficiently helping you and talking to your doctor about alternative lifestyle options may help prevent the disease from getting worse.

A simple colorblock drawing of lungs. The lungs themselves are cerulean, while the simple trachea and airways are navy.

Look for signs COPD may be worsening

For those who have trouble breathing or struggle with everyday tasks, inhalers and steroids may not be doing enough to control their COPD.

It’s common for people with COPD to minimize or hide symptoms, but it’s important to be proactive and honest about your experience, especially with your doctor.

A simple cerulean heart. On the right side, there is a small navy circle with a white checkmark inside.

Make lifestyle choices to help manage symptoms

Some things that may help manage your symptoms:

  • Going for a daily walk with loved ones
  • Keeping up with pulmonary rehabilitation
  • Getting enough sleep

Talking to someone who can help you set goals for navigating life with COPD can go a long way, especially with difficult changes like quitting smoking, eating healthier, and maintaining an active lifestyle.

A simple cerulean colorblock drawing of a thumbs up. Over the thumb is a navy star.

Find your motivation 

Better managed COPD may help you do the small but important things in life, like:

  • Spending time with family
  • Helping out around the house
  • Taking a walk around the neighborhood

Every action you take can make a difference.

What motivates you to manage your treatment?

This is a difficult disease to manage, but the people around you can help, so be open and honest about symptoms.

real patient

You have to learn to do things more slowly. There is still life.

—EVA, SPAIN
MAKE THE PLEDGE

PLEDGE TO BE PROACTIVE ABOUT YOUR COPD

COPD can be difficult, but pledging to discuss flare-ups with your doctor can make a huge difference in finding the right solutions for you.

I PLEDGE
Pledge to stay on top of COPD