What Is COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of long-term lung conditions—mainly emphysema and chronic bronchitis—that make it harder to breathe by blocking airflow in the lungs. COPD has no cure, but it can be managed.
COPD is commonly linked to smoking, second-hand smoking, exposure to air pollutants, and chronic respiratory irritation.
As of 2023, Ohio ranked among the states with the highest COPD rates, with 8.6% of adults (about 793,000 people) diagnosed. In Franklin County, 7.2% of adults reported having COPD in 2022.
Why this matters: COPD often isn’t diagnosed until it’s more advanced and lung damage has already occurred. Early detection and treatment can greatly improve daily life and long-term health.
How COPD Affects Daily Life and Health
Most people diagnosed with COPD first notice symptoms around the age of 40. Some of the earliest and most common symptoms of COPD and other lung conditions include:
- Coughing (with or without mucus)
- Wheezing or noisy breathing
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath during simple tasks
- Unusual tiredness and fatigue
- Repeated lung infections (acute bronchitis or pneumonia)
While COPD symptoms and their progression can vary from person to person, the disease can worsen quickly if left untreated. Ignoring symptoms can make it increasingly difficult to take full breaths or complete everyday tasks.
Respiratory infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, may take longer to recover from and can lead to missed work, higher medical costs, and an increased risk of hospitalization.
Diagnosis
If you’re a current or former smoker, it’s important to get screened early and regularly for COPD since you’re at higher risk.
If your provider suspects COPD, they’ll likely order a spirometry test to measure how much air you can breathe in and out. Additional tests may also be used to assess your lung health. Using this information and your symptom history, your healthcare provider will determine the stage of COPD and create a personalized treatment plan.
COPD progresses through four stages, and each stage has different recommendations to help you manage symptoms and maintain your quality of life.
Breathe Easier With Treatment and Management
At COPC, our respiratory therapists specialize in helping patients with COPD understand their diagnosis, explore treatment options, and make lifestyle changes that slow disease progression. They work closely with your primary care provider to build your confidence in managing symptoms and following your personalized care plan.
Having a cohesive care team is essential for living well with COPD. With proper management, you can stay active, achieve new goals, and reduce your risk of serious complications that lead to emergency room visits or hospitalizations.
Remember, COPD is manageable with early diagnosis and proactive care. You can protect your lungs by quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to air pollutants.
If you’ve noticed changes in your breathing, don’t wait—schedule a check-up with your COPC provider today.
Sources:
American Lung Association. (2023, October 18). New COPD state briefs highlight burden by state, opportunities to improve [Press release]. https://www.lung.org/media/press-releases/new-copd-state-briefs-highlight-burden-by-state%2C-o
Ohio Department of Health. (2025). Ohio Chronic Disease Atlas 2025 [PDF]. https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/wcm/connect/gov/931c96e4-4a8f-403f-9f65-a7dd765f5d18/Ohio+Chronic+Disease+Atlas+2025_Final.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CONVERT_TO=url&CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE.Z18_JQGCH4S04P41206HNUKVF31000-931c96e4-4a8f-403f-9f65-a7dd765f5d18-pAlQS9V