Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease management program
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a disease of the lungs. With COPD, the lung passages thicken and narrow, and you experience increased mucus (phlegm) and more coughing. Because the lungs are less elastic and the air sacs may be damaged, you may be short of breath especially during physical activity. Although COPD may include many different lung diseases, the most common are emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Confirming COPD
BCN recommends that a diagnosis of COPD be confirmed by a test called spirometry, which measures the flow of air from the lungs as you exhale. Check with your doctor to see if spirometry testing is right for you.
COPD can be managed
Talk to your primary care doctor about developing a plan to manage your COPD. You can also do the following to improve your breathing.
- Quit smoking
- Recognize the signs when your COPD is getting worse
- Use your COPD medicines correctly
- Get a flu shot every year
- Get a pneumonia shot (if recommended by your doctor)
About the COPD Program
BCN members who have been diagnosed with COPD, emphysema or chronic bronchitis are eligible for this program, which will help you understand COPD. Several times during the year, you’ll receive the Lifestyles for COPD newsletter
For information about the COPD Management Program, call 800-392-4247, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding holidays).
Other Resources
- American Lung Association
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services)
- NIH Senior Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services)
- New York Online Access to Health
Additional tools to help you manage your COPD
page modified 09/04/2008