There are few things as good as a breath of fresh air, but for the more than 16 million adults in the U.S. with COPD, a simple breath is not an easy thing. COPD—or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease—is a lung condition where damage to the lungs limits their capacity to conduct airflow in and out. This can lead to difficulty breathing and a host of other issues. November is COPD Awareness Month, and many of those who suffer from COPD don’t even know they have it. Take our quiz on COPD and learn what causes it, how to recognize it, and what to do if you think you have it.
1. COPD is a group of lung diseases characterized by inflammation inside the airways that limits airflow into and out of the lungs. The two most common types of COPD usually occur together. Which of the following are the two most common types of COPD?
A. Emphysema — damage to the walls between many of the air sacs in the lungs.
B. Lung cancer — a type of cancer that originates in the lungs.
C. Chronic bronchitis — repeated or constant irritation and inflammation in the lining of the airways.
D. Pneumonia — an infection of the lungs that causes inflammation of the lung tissue.
2. True or false? COPD is a major cause of disability and is in the top 10 leading causes of death in the United States.
3. Which of the following are symptoms of COPD?
A. Frequent coughing and/or wheezing or whistling sounds when breathing.
B. Shortness of breath doing everyday activities and trouble catching your breath, especially during physical activities.
C. Trouble taking deep breaths and/or chest tightness or heaviness.
D. Excess phlegm or mucus brought up by coughing.
E. Lack of energy and/or feeling very tired.
F. Physical symptoms like swelling in ankles, feet, or legs; or losing weight without meaning to.
G. All of the above
4. True or false? Tobacco smoke is the main cause of COPD in the United States.
5. After smoking and secondhand smoke, which of the following are additional risk factors for developing COPD?
A. Exposure to environmental or workplace breathing hazards such as irritating smoke, fumes, dust or chemicals
B. A family history of COPD
C. Having asthma
D. Being a woman
E. Being older than 65
F. All of the above
6. True or false? COPD is a progressive disease; its symptoms often develop slowly but worsen over time, and they can limit your ability to do routine activities.
7. Which of the following are ways that COPD can negatively affect your life?
A. Making it difficult to work or to do usual activities
B. Making it hard to move, such as walking or climbing stairs
C. Making it difficult to concentrate, remember, or make decisions
D. All of the above
8. True or false? Serious COPD can prevent you from doing even basic activities such as walking, cooking, or taking care of yourself.
9. Those with COPD are more likely to have other health conditions linked to COPD. Which of the following is NOT one of those conditions?
A. Chronic diseases like asthma, heart disease, and diabetes
B. Esophageal cancer
C. Depression or another mental health condition
D. Self-reported poor health
10. True or false? With proper management, most people with COPD can control symptoms, improve their quality of life, and lower the risk of other conditions linked to COPD.
A. If you think you have COPD, see your doctor. Which of the following are treatment options for those with COPD?
B. Oxygen therapy
C. Pulmonary rehabilitation
D. Medicines that treat complications
E. All of the above
Compiled by ERIKA ALDRICH / Information provided by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mayo Clinic, and National Institutes of Health
ANSWERS:
- A. Emphysema and C. Chronic bronchitis
- True
- G. All of the above
- True
- F. All of the above
- True
- D. All of the above
- True
- B. Esophageal cancer. The others are health conditions linked to COPD.
- True
- D. All of the above