What is COPD?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, also known as COPD, is a group of progressive lung diseases that cause your airways to become partially blocked, making it harder to breathe. COPD includes Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis, or both. The symptoms of COPD include:

• Frequent or constant coughing (sometimes be referred to as a “smoker’s cough”)
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Trouble taking a deep breath
• Excessive amounts of mucus, phlegm, or sputum

COPD often goes undetected in its early stages. It’s not until the disease has progressed and symptoms have become noticeable before COPD is fully diagnosed. If you’re a current or former smoker, have had long-term exposure to airborne irritants, or have a family history of COPD, you may want to talk to your doctor about the possibility, even if you don’t think you have any of the symptoms.

Your physician will perform a non-invasive, simple test called spirometry. It shows how well your lungs work by measuring how much air you inhale and how quickly you exhale. It’s a standard test used to diagnose a variety of lung conditions. Once you have a diagnosis, it can also help determine if your medications or treatments are working as they should.

What Causes COPD?

The leading cause of COPD in the United States is long-term cigarette smoking. The more you smoke, the greater your risk for developing the disease. Pipe, cigar, and marijuana smokers are also at risk. Aside from smoking, other things can make you susceptible to developing COPD.

• Secondhand smoke – You may never smoke a cigarette in your life but live with someone who does. Being exposed to large amounts of secondhand smoke over a significant amount of time can also cause COPD.
• Asthma – An estimated 25 million Americans have asthma., a condition that causes your airways to swell. Allergens and unclean air can trigger asthma, and it can be a risk factor for developing COPD. If you have asthma and smoke, your risk is even greater.
• Dust and chemical exposure – Many individuals are exposed to chemical fumes, vapors, or dust in the workplace. Over time, those things can irritate and inflame your lungs, resulting in COPD.
• Genetics – Lifestyle and environment are not the only causes of COPD. Although uncommon, there is a genetic disorder called Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency that can cause COPD. If you have this disorder, your body doesn’t produce a protein that protects the lungs.

Sometimes, COPD can be difficult to diagnose. In the early stages, it can mimic other breathing-related illnesses. So, it may take some time and testing before you know for sure if you have it. COPD is a progressive disease with no cure. But the best way to prevent it is to stop smoking now. Quitting is difficult, so committing to your health and finding the appropriate support are essential.

If you have routine exposure to chemical fumes and dust in your work environment, there are steps you can take to lower your risk. The first thing to do is talk to your supervisor. Your boss may not realize the danger. So, it’s essential to address it with them and discuss ways to protect you and your co-workers.

COPD can also put you at risk for other issues:

• Respiratory infections – Having COPD can make it easier for you to catch colds, flu, or pneumonia and lead to more lung damage.
• Heart problems – Researchers aren’t sure why, but COPD can increase your risk of heart disease.
• Lung cancer – COPD can increase your risk of having lung cancer.
• High blood pressure – COPD can cause the pressure to rise in arteries that carry blood to your lungs.

If you have COPD, you must listen to your doctor, take your prescribed medication and participate in the types of therapies your doctor may recommend. While there is no cure for COPD, there are certain things you can do to slow down the progression of the disease.

Who Suffers from COPD?

COPD is a prevalent disease with more than 3 million US cases per year. Between 85 and 90 percent of cases are caused by smoking. Cases of COPD caused by smoking are more prevalent in the Southeast and Midwest. 

A COPD diagnosis is most common in middle-aged or older adults, and women are nearly 40 percent more likely to develop COPD than men. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COPD was the fourth-leading cause of death in 2018.

How Air Purifiers Can Help

For individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), managing the environment is just as important as following medical advice and taking prescribed medications. Since COPD causes airway inflammation and reduced lung function, minimizing exposure to airborne irritants can significantly reduce symptoms and improve overall lung health. Air purifiers can be a vital part of this strategy, creating a cleaner, healthier indoor air environment that helps to reduce respiratory issues.

HEPA Filters

HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are one of the most effective types of filters found in air purifiers. These filters are capable of capturing up to 99.97% of tiny particles as small as 0.3 microns, which includes common indoor allergens like dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and even harmful smoke particles. These airborne irritants can worsen COPD symptoms by triggering inflammation, causing coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. By removing these particles from the air, a HEPA-equipped air purifier helps to alleviate the strain on the lungs, allowing for easier breathing and fewer flare-ups.

Activated Carbon Filters

Another useful feature of air purifiers for COPD sufferers is activated carbon filters, which absorb gases and odors that could irritate the respiratory system. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from household products, such as cleaning supplies, paints, and air fresheners, can trigger COPD symptoms. Similarly, strong odors, like those from cooking, pet urine, or even cigarette smoke, can exacerbate breathing difficulties. Activated carbon filters neutralize these harmful fumes and odors, creating a more pleasant and healthier living space for individuals with COPD. This is especially important for those who are sensitive to chemical fumes or odors that may not be visible but can still have a significant impact on lung health.

Humidity Levels

In addition to reducing particulate matter and odors, air purifiers can help control humidity levels in the home. High humidity can contribute to the growth of mold and mildew, both of which can irritate the airways of COPD patients. Some air purifiers also double as dehumidifiers, helping to maintain optimal moisture levels in the air. By controlling moisture, air purifiers reduce the likelihood of mold growth and other humidity-related issues that could aggravate COPD.

Air Quality Monitoring

Air quality monitoring is another helpful aspect of certain advanced air purifiers. Some models come with built-in sensors that continuously monitor air quality, adjusting the filtration speed to remove contaminants as needed. This provides a sense of security, knowing that the air you breathe is constantly being purified to maintain optimal health. These smart devices can also be connected to apps that provide real-time feedback, allowing users to track air quality and make informed decisions about their environment.

While air purifiers are not a cure for COPD, they can provide significant relief by creating an environment that supports better respiratory health. For individuals living with COPD, reducing exposure to irritants like smoke, dust, chemicals, and allergens can help slow the progression of the disease, reduce the frequency of flare-ups, and enhance overall well-being. When combined with other COPD management strategies—such as quitting smoking, taking prescribed medications, and avoiding known triggers—air purifiers can be an essential tool for improving the quality of life and making it easier to breathe.

Bottom Line

Millions of Americans have had to learn how to live with COPD. It’s a progressive disease with no cure, but you can slow it down by making changes in your daily life. If you smoke, please stop. Talk to your doctor, follow your treatment plan, stay inside when pollen counts and the air humidity is high. And consider investing in an air purifier for your home. Pulling impurities out of the air can help ease your COPD-related breathing trouble, and being able to provide cleaner, purer air in your home can be a benefit for your whole family.