By Wendi Hope Hager, Editor

You hear it all of the time: early detection. But it’s true. Early detection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) results in beginning treatment sooner and better outcomes when the disease is diagnosed early on. Still the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, COPD effects as many as 24 million Americans with high death rates in Tennessee.

COPD describes several progressive lung diseases with emphysema and chronic bronchitis being the most common forms. There are many people that don’t know they have COPD, and lung function screenings can detect this disease. On Nov. 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., The University of Tennessee Medical Center will provide FREE COPD screenings in recognition of World COPD Day. Screenings will require an appointment by calling 1.877.UT.CARES and will take place at the Heart Lung Vascular Institute on the UT Medical Center campus.

Smoking is the most common risk factor of COPD, but others include environmental and hereditary factors. If you are over 40, a current smoker or ex-smoker, easily run out of breath and cough several times on most days, you should call for an appointment for your free COPD screening.

There is no cure for COPD, but early detection is important in order to receive proper treatment, which slows progression of the disease and treats the symptoms. If you suspect you may have COPD, make your appointment today by calling 1.877.UT.CARES (1.877.882.2737).

Click here for the online COPD assessment.

Click here for more information on the Heart Lung Vascular Institute.