COPD

When it comes to your health, nothing is more important than knowledge and understanding. The following Health Break from the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee, contains information that can help you and your family live longer, healthier lives.

Most people are aware of the dangers posed by heart disease, cancer or stroke. But few are aware of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. COPD is a slowly progressive disease that you may not even be aware of in its early stages. COPD symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, lung and air passage damage, and a gradual loss of lung function. Quitting smoking—the biggest risk factor—is the most important step to COPD prevention. Even people exposed to secondhand smoke are at greater risk of developing COPD. 

Ask yourself: Am I at risk for COPD?

To learn more about COPD consult your physician or visit the Heart Lung Vascular Institute.