Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a disease in the lungs that makes it hard to breathe. It develops over many years and is almost always caused by smoking.

Common symptoms of COPD include breathlessness and chronic cough. Because the disease takes years to develop, COPD is usually found in people over the age of 60.

There is no cure for COPD and the disease typically worsens over time. Daily activities, like walking to the mailbox, often become difficult to do with COPD. If you have COPD and your breathing gets worse, or you have a “flare up”, make sure to take all of the medications your doctor prescribes. You should be taking quick relief as well as “controller” medications.

The best way to prevent COPD is to quit smoking. For information or help on how to quit, talk to your doctor. He or she can help create a quitting plan that is right for you. In addition, the New York State Smokers’ Quitline can help. Their number is 1-866-NY-QUITS (866-697-8487).