Your Life With COPD - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Millions of people in the United States have COPD, but it impacts different people in different ways. Your COPD won't be the same as another person's COPD.

There are many things you can do to live a healthy and happy life with COPD.
COPD is an illness that can challenge patients and their families across all aspects of life. However, you can find healthy, constructive responses to meet those changes. Your doctor can help with many of these. Understanding how the disease can impact your life, and what you can do to prevent or fix problems that come up, can help you to take charge of your COPD and live the life you want to live.

Now that you know that you will be living the rest of your life with COPD, take some time to think about your goals.

Would you like to be more active?
Would you like to learn more about COPD?
Would you like to be less short of breath?
Would you like to be in a better mood?

These are all common goals for people with COPD. What are your goals?

You can take charge of your breathing and your health. You must be an active partner in your treatment. Educate yourself about COPD then practice what you learn and work with your doctor to reach your goals.