A BREATH OF
FRESH AIR
CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD)
Patients with COPD sometimes describe their experiences of COPD “like fighting a war without weapons in an ever-shrinking world, with a loss of freedom at most levels, always fearing possible breathlessness.” More than just coughing, tiredness and struggling to breathe, it is understandable that you may experience uncertainty, chaos and fluctuations in health, while also struggling to cope with the necessity of managing multiple medications and comorbidities. 5
There is another way to live a full life with COPD. The first step is to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Then get to know the condition, change the way you think about your abilities, learn to accept help, and keep a positive mindset. 5
COPD worldwide and in South Africa
1 in 10 people aged 30-79 years worldwide has COPD. 6 In urban South Africa, this number could be as high as 1 in 4.7
Gender
Men are twice as likely to develop COPD than women. 6
Risk factors
A person who smokes is more than 3 times more likely to develop COPD than a non-smoker. 6
Undiagnosed cases
More than 80 % of COPD cases identified through testing were undiagnosed, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, and most prominently among men, young adults and never-smokers. 6
Risk factors
A person who smokes is more than 3 times more likely to develop COPD than a non-smoker. 6
Undiagnosed cases
More than 80 % of COPD cases identified through testing were undiagnosed, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, and most prominently among men, young adults and never-smokers. 6
Are you at risk of having COPD? Answer these questions to determine your risk.
Understanding COPD
COPD affects a person’s lungs, making it more difficult to breathe. This leaves them feeling tired, and can even affect the rest of the body’s systems as the condition progresses. 8, 9
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a term that involves two conditions called chronic bronchitis (bron-ki-tis) and emphysema. A person could have only one or both of these conditions at the same time. 8
Classifying COPD
To determine how to treat COPD, your doctor would first need to verify which type of COPD you have and then determine how severe the condition is.
Exacerbation (Flare)
It is important to identify an exacerbation (flare) and seek medical assistance as soon as possible, as you will need additional treatment to counter any possible damage to your lungs. 10
Treatment
Once you are diagnosed with COPD, your doctor will prescribe medication to control the condition and prevent it from worsening, or prevent an exacerbation.
Prevention and Progression
As COPD progresses, it could have a significant impact on your life and may leave you feeling anxious and depressed, which is to be expected. 10
Living with COPD
A COPD Action Plan helps you deal with the day-to-day management of COPD. It provides a clear outline of what triggers your COPD, how you can avoid these triggers, and what to do in case of an exacerbation, as well as which healthy lifestyle changes you can make to improve how you feel. 4