Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) refers to two lung diseases, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The term COPD is used because both diseases cause chronic cough and shortness of breath, making it harder for people to breathe over time. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for nearly 125,000 deaths nationwide in 2007 - this represents one COPD death approximately every 4 minutes. While asthma is not included in COPD, people with asthma may be at risk for developing COPD over time.

Strategic Plan to Address COPD in California
The Strategic Plan to Address COPD in California represents a comprehensive plan for addressing the public health challenge of COPD. COPD is a preventable and treatable disease that is the fourth leading cause of death and impacts more than 1.5 million Californians. The Strategic Plan will help focus public attention on this important lung disease and provide a road map for the stakeholders in addressing it through preventing the occurence of COPD, improving the diagnosis and treatment, care, and improve the quality of life of those who already have it. 

The American Lung Association in California offers programs to help people suffering from COPD live a more productive and active life. These programs also are designed to support and educate the caregivers of people with COPD.

Better Breathers Clubs

bbcBetter Breathers Clubs (BBC) are a core program and resource of the American Lung Association in California.  The purpose of the club is to offer patient-centered and community-based educational opportunities and support to persons with chronic lung disease (especially COPD, but also asthma, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis [IPF], lung cancer, and other chronic lung diseases).  Better Breathers Clubs meet regularly and feature educational presentations on a wide range of topics such as: 

  • How COPD affects the lungs
  • Breathing techniques
  • Exercise
  • Talking with your physician
  • Medications and other treatment options
  • Supplemental oxygen
  • Home health care
  • Lung transplants
  • Air pollution

 To find a Better Breathers club near you, click here


Respiratory Rally

respiratory rallyOur Respiratory Rally is a one-day conference for newly diagnosed COPD patients and their caregivers. The conference features medical speakers, motivational presenters, and sessions on a variety of topics about the disease.

  

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs help COPD patients and their caregivers learn more about medications, oxygen, nutrition, day-to-day strategies, avoiding hospitalizations, and appropriate exercises. For a list of programs in California, click here.

To learn more about COPD, click here

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