Take A Breather And Learn About COPD (NAPSA)—Doyou find it hard to breathe? Are simple tasks like climbing the stairs, washing dishes or even getting dressed in the morning leaving you breathless? Have you ever smoked? If your answeris yes, then you might be one of the millions of American adults living with a serious lung disease called COPD —which stands for chronic obstructive pulmonarydisease. COPDincludes chronic bronchitis, emphysemaor both. It is a growing health crisis and a major causeof disability and even death. In fact, more people die from COPDevery year than from AIDS or breast cancer. Yet, unlike these diseases, most people have never heard of COPD. “November is National COPD Awareness Month, andthis is the perfect time to educate yourself about this disease and take action,” said Barbara Rogers, president and chief executive officer of the National Emphysema/ COPDAssociation (NECA). “You Simple, daily tasks can bediffi- cult for people with COPD. today. And to learn more about COPD,visit www.KnowCOPD.com. This Web site was made possible through support from Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. andPfizer Inc. need to recognize your symptoms —like shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing—andtake them seriously. That’s why it’s important to learn more and talk to a doctor now.” COPD most often occurs in people who smoke or used to smoke. The disease also can be caused by other things that irritate or damage the lungs such as chemical fumes andair pollution. Although the lung damage caused by COPD cannot be reversed, it can be treated. So talk to your doctor Things You Need To Know About COPD e COPDis the fourth-leading cause of death. Of the top causes of death, only COPDis increasing. e 24 million adults may have COPD, but only half knowit. COPDrates are rising among women. e Simple, daily tasks can bedifficult for people with COPD. Thereis no cure for COPD,butitis treatable. @ ween eee eee eee a Note to Editors: November is COPD month. However, the issues raised in this article can be of interest all year-round.
