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COPD is NOT a death
sentence!
COPD (Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), also known as Chronic Obstructive
Lung Disease (COLD), is an umbrella term used to describe chronic
lung diseases that are characterized by progressive obstruction of
the airflow into and out of the lungs and increased shortness of
breath. COPD is an insidious disease, which is often diagnosed after
some of the lung capacity is already lost. Diseases included under
the umbrella term include emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Surprising little had actually been
learned in past years about COPD. Studies were very limited. Now,
however, things are improving with some very encouraging studies,
clinical trials and research under way for medications and
treatments. For the first time, there is a very active COPD awareness program underway,
which started in 2007. For more information, see sidebar links
(Latest News) to the NHLBI's COPD: Learn More,
Breathe Better® program. There is a very long way to go,
however.
The good news is that COPD, though considered a chronic,
debilitating and sometimes fatal disease, can be managed, controlled
and slowed down. We can all lead good and long lives, with a great
deal of quality and joy left even after diagnosis. If you or a loved
one has been diagnosed with COPD, general well-being and prognosis
can improve greatly with proper treatment and care.
The most important factors contributing to a longer and healthier
lifestyle include, but are not limited to:
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Early detection |
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A knowledgeable physician who
is proactive in disease management,
preferably a pulmonary specialist |
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Following your medication
regimen faithfully |
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Healthy eating habits |
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Stopping smoking |
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A personal exercise program
approved by your physician |
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Education about any and all
aspects of your disease and its related problems |
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Infection prevention to limit
exacerbations which can lead to additional lung damage |
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You are not alone!
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It is estimated that there are
currently 12 million people in the United States diagnosed
with COPD. |
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It is estimated that an
additional 12 million or more are still undiagnosed, as they
are in the beginning stages and have few or minimal symptoms
and have not sought health care yet. |
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It is estimated that close to
210 million cases could possibly be found worldwide. |
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Here at COPD
International, you will not be alone. This site has been
organized and staffed by individuals with COPD, caregivers and other
individuals interested in COPD. It's primary purpose is to provide a
resource for all through interactive support and education.
Here you will find:
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Our main Chat Room is open to
all 24 hours a day. People are coming and going all the time.
Drop in and visit. It's a great source of support and
information. |
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Our four communities, each have
a Chat Room, as well as a Message Board. Here you can find
people with similar experiences -- COPDers, caregivers,
teenagers and kids facing the fears, issues and problems
associated with dealing on a daily basis with COPD. If your
community has no one there when you visit, please drop into
the main Chat Room. |
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Our message boards throughout
the Web site are there for you to ask for and get help and
guidance. Your experiences can help others there as well. |
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Our List servers, which provide
e-mail information and support 24 hours a day. |
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Our "Quit Smoking Now" Program
(QSN) to help you kick the habit and provides the ongoing
support needed to help you stay smoke-free for as long as you
need. |
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Guidance for your exercise
needs. |
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Our "Keep in Touch" Program
(KIT) is a 3 part program which provides a place for those
living alone to check in on a regular basis; a way for us to
find those who we have lost contact with; and a pen pal
program to encourage the creation of COPD related friendships
around the world. |
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Our "Loving Thoughts" Program
provides a special message center for sending caring messages
during tough times. |
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Don't need a Loving Thoughts
page but want to send a cheerful note or special
anonymous greeting, check out our Cheer Bear program. |
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Our "Welcome Wagon" Program,
which is staffed by community members who are committed to
supporting new arriving members by the sharing of information
and providing Web site assistance and guidance. |
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An ever-expanding reference
area complete with a searchable Library. Included in the
library are hundreds of articles on COPD and related subjects
ranging from the
COPD Survival Guide to the personal experiences of
COPDers and caregivers. |
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The
latest news, articles and
information at our COPD Info blog.. |
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A weekly emailed newsletter to
keep you informed on our Web site developments and COPD news. |
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Down through
the years, we have lost many of our friends and family to COPD.
Some visited using only a nickname, while others remained
totally unknown, preferring to read, learn and seek comfort in
the knowledge that they were not alone. The tribute area is
dedicated to all COPD Patients, known and unknown, who have
gone on before us. |
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Personal Experiences A collection of articles by COPDers.
Click Here |
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Tips for Coping |
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Emergency Advice
For Oxygen Users
During Outages
See
Tips
Fighting
Allergies
From the Inside
Tips on indoor allergies.
See Tips
Last modified:
January 28, 2010 |
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