Increasing Awareness, Early Diagnosis and Treatment for COPD

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health, in partnership with leading professional societies, health, and advocacy organizations today launches COPD Learn More Breathe Better, a national campaign designed to improve awareness among those at greatest risk for the disease. COPD treatments control symptoms, improve exercise capacity, and can prolong life. Advances in the treatment of nicotine addiction have led to greater success in smoking cessation — a critical intervention in COPD. Other treatments include inhaled bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, and pulmonary rehabilitation, all of which have been shown to improve the quality of life of patients with COPD. Oxygen therapy for those with severe COPD prolongs life.