There are millions in the country who are living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) without being diagnosed. However, the peculiar thing is that awareness and knowledge amongst the public about this set of lung conditions is limited. While one section of the patient population is blissfully unaware of the existence of this disease, another section believes that since they are affected by COPD, this is the end of the road for them. Here we aim to educate about this disease with the intention of increasing the chances of preventing it. Allow us to debunk some false assumptions, the myths surrounding COPD and throw some light on the facts about this illness.

Myth 1: Only people who smoke tobacco must be worried about COPD
Around 90% of people afflicted with any of the three lung conditions of COPD, such as Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema or Refractory Asthma get it because of tobacco smoking. But that is not the only reason either. Passive smoking, exposure to air pollutants from factories, fine dust particles in the environment and smoke from wood also cause serious lung disorders. Even the rare genetic condition of the absence or deficiency of the Alpha-1 Antitrypsin protein in the body can cause COPD symptoms.

Myth 2: Men are most affected by COPD
Earlier, there were more men who smoked tobacco than women, but now the number of women who smoke has increased phenomenally, and independent of that, statistics prove that women are at more risk of being affected by COPD than men. Since the airways of the lungs in women are smaller than those in men, the possibility of a greater concentration of tobacco smoke in women is high. Also, the presence of estrogen hormone in women enhances the chances of them being affected by the symptoms of COPD more easily.

Myth 3: Exercise must be avoided by people with COPD
While some people with COPD have symptoms of breathlessness when performing even normal everyday physical activities, patients assume all activities like exercise or sex are bad for their health. The contrary is in fact true. Appropriately designed and consistently performed physical exercise helps improve stamina by strengthening muscles, aids proper circulation of oxygen in the lungs and throughout the body, and enables smoother breathing.

Myth 4: COPD is as good as a death sentence
Although is true that there is no complete cure to COPD and the illness cannot be reversed, the efficiency of the lungs can be improved and the condition managed well by reducing the severity of the symptoms. Quitting smoking completely is the first step in this direction. The subsequent goal of improving quality of life can be achieved with medication such as stiolto or spiriva inhalers, which can be taken daily and over the long-term to reduce the severity of COPD symptoms. Talk to you doctor about learning more about medications that may improve breathing, and ask about stiolto respimat coupon availability. Also discuss other options such as oxygen therapy  that opens up the airways and reduces inflammation in the lungs, updating vaccine shots especially for pneumonia, pulmonary rehabilitation and enjoying a nutritious diet.