FAQs

1. What is COPD?

   COPD is a group of diseases including chronic bronchitis and emphysema where the main symptom is obstruction to the airflow in the lungs. It causes progressively worsening problems with shortness of breath, smoker’s cough with production of phlegm and wheezing.

2. If I’ve smoked for 20 years, will I definitely get COPD?

   Certainly if you smoke you have a much higher risk of developing COPD that someone who has never smoked – indeed, the majority cases of COPD are seen in people who smoke.

3. I’ve had a spirometry test. What do the numbers mean?

   Spirometry test results are measured in values between 1 and 6 or FEV (Forced Expiratory Volume) 1 to FEV 6. These numbers are presented as a percentage of the average expected in someone of your age, height, gender and race. These results are called ‘per cent predicted lung volumes. An FEV1 greater than 80% of predicted lung volume and a ratio of FEV1 to FEV6 greater than 70% of predicted lung volume is considered normal.

4. Is COPD a killer?

   Yes it is. If you continue to smoke and are not properly treated, your COPD may kill you. Almost as bad, however, is the fact that severe COPD can prevent you from doing the most basic activities such as walking, cooking or taking care of yourself. That’s why it’s essential to take positive action sooner rather than later.

5. Is there a cure for COPD?

   There is no cure for COPD and doctors don’t know how to reverse the damage done to the airways and lungs that causes the problems. However, if the disease is detected early, COPD management involving a combination of treatments and lifestyle change (stopping smoking) can dramatically slow the progress of the disease and help you stay active and feel healthy for longer.

6. If I’ve already got COPD, why do I need to stop smoking?

   There is clear evidence that however severe the disease, stopping smoking will lengthen your life. So it’s never too late to quit.

7. Is it ok to smoke a pipe instead of cigarettes?

   Any form of tobacco smoking is dangerous because of the toxins contained in the smoke. Pipe and cigar smokers get COPD more often than non-smokers but not as often as cigarette smokers.

8. Am I safe from COPD if my partner is a smoker but I don’t smoke myself?

   Passive smoking – inhaling someone else’s smoke – can also damage your lungs, depending on how much you’re exposed to it. Living with someone who is a heavy smoker means you’re constantly exposed to cigarette smoke. Try to encourage and support your partner to quit smoking.

9. Aren’t the symptoms of COPD just a normal part of aging?

   Some people think that breathing problems are just part of getting older. Although lung function does decline as we get older, the deterioration is much, much faster if you have COPD. If you have been gradually cutting back on your activities for a while, it may not be normal ageing. You may have COPD.

10. If I’m feeling well at the moment, why is it important to keep taking my maintenance medicine?

    Some people think that once they feel better, they can stop taking their daily medicines. The fact is, if you are breathing better it means your maintenance medicine is working. Remember, to keep breathing better you must keep taking this medicine every day as directed by your doctor.