There are many myths and misconceptions about COPD — such as only those who smoke can get it. Knowing the realities of the condition can help you separate fact from fiction.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a group of health conditions that limit airflow in your lungs. These conditions include chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Many people have assumptions about COPD that are not supported by the latest science.
Read on to get the facts behind common COPD myths.
According to estimates from the
That means millions of adults across the country have received a diagnosis of COPD.
The actual proportion of adults with COPD may be higher due to delays in receiving a diagnosis.
Although smoking is the
Risk factors for COPD include:
- current or past smoking
- exposure to secondhand smoke
- exposure to other air pollutants
- respiratory infections
- certain genetic mutations
A 2023 study found that using e-cigarettes or other vaping products may also increase the risk of COPD.
You don’t need to have every risk factor to develop COPD.
COPD is more common in people ages
A 2023 study found that COPD affected more than 1.6% of adults ages 20 to 50 years in the United States. Adults ages 35 to 50 years had a higher risk of COPD than those under the age of 35 years.
A history of smoking or secondhand smoke exposure significantly increases the risk of COPD in young adults.
The
More women than men have also died from COPD since 2000 in the United States.
Exposure to tobacco smoke and other pollutants raises the risk of COPD for anyone, but women may experience more harmful effects than men from these pollutants.
Women with COPD also tend to get a diagnosis later than men, after the disease has progressed and treatment is less effective. This may contribute to reduced survival in women with COPD.
COPD treatments are available to help limit symptoms and potentially slow the progression of COPD.
Your treatment plan may include lifestyle changes like quitting smoking (if you smoke), as well as one or more of the
- vaccinations
- medications
- pulmonary rehabilitation
- supplemental oxygen
- lung transplant
- surgery
Talk with a doctor to learn more about your treatment options.
Avoiding tobacco smoke is one of the
If you smoke, cutting back and quitting may help limit symptoms and slow the progression of COPD.
Although more research is necessary, it may also be helpful to avoid e-cigarettes and other vaping products. According to a 2022 review, some studies have found that people with COPD report fewer symptoms or flares when they switch from smoking to vaping, but other studies haven’t found these benefits.
Avoiding smoking and vaping altogether is likely your healthiest option.
Talk with a doctor to learn about smoking cessation counseling, medication, or other resources that can help you cut back and quit smoking or vaping.
Learn more about how to quit smoking.
Treatment for COPD will depend on many factors, and not everyone will require supplemental oxygen therapy.
Supplemental oxygen therapy provides oxygen through a face mask, nasal prongs, or oxygen cannula.
The potential benefits of long-term supplemental oxygen therapy may depend on whether or not you have very low blood oxygen levels when you’re at rest (severe resting hypoxemia).
The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease reported in 2024 that long-term supplemental oxygen therapy helps improve survival in people with chronic respiratory failure and severe resting hypoxemia, but it doesn’t provide the same benefits for those with moderate arterial oxygen desaturation while at rest or exercising.
This means if you don’t have severe resting hypoxemia, the benefits of long-term supplemental oxygen therapy may not outweigh the risks or downsides. A doctor will consider other aspects of your condition when deciding whether or not to recommend this treatment.
Some people with COPD who don’t need long-term oxygen therapy may still benefit from short-term oxygen therapy during a respiratory infection or COPD exacerbation.
Talk with a doctor to learn more about the potential benefits, risks, and costs of oxygen therapy.
Dietary changes won’t cure COPD, but adjusting your diet or eating habits may help you meet your nutritional needs and support your overall health and well-being.
It takes more energy than usual to breathe when you have COPD, according to the American Lung Association. In fact, you may need up to 10 extra calories to breathe compared to someone without the condition.
You might find it challenging to prepare or eat enough nutrient-rich food, especially if your ability to complete these tasks is limited by symptoms such as shortness of breath or fatigue.
Speak with a doctor if you’re finding it difficult to eat or meet your nutritional needs. They may recommend changes to your diet or eating habits or refer you to a registered dietitian for support.
A doctor or dietitian also may recommend certain nutritional supplements.
Learn more about diet for COPD.
What is the average age of death for COPD?
Researchers haven’t established an average age of death for COPD. However, some research suggests the mortality risk within 3 years of receiving a COPD diagnosis is 37%.
The
What is the last stage of COPD before death?
End stage COPD, also called stage 4 COPD, is the most severe stage of COPD and could be life threatening.
Millions of people in the United States live with COPD, many of whom may not realize they have it.
The condition can affect adults of any age, gender, race, or ethnicity. A history of smoking increases the risk of COPD, but not all people with this condition have smoked before.
It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional if you experience COPD symptoms like difficulty breathing and wheezing. They could help determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan.
