What Causes COPD?
What Causes COPD?
If you have COPD, you cannot heal the damage that has already happened in your lungs. But you can make changes to slow down the damage or stop it from getting worse.
What Causes COPD?
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Lowering Your Risks
If you have COPD, you cannot heal the damage that has already happened in your lungs. But you can make changes to slow down the damage or stop it from getting worse.
- Don't smoke. This is the No. 1 way to prevent COPD or slow it down if you already have it. If you don't smoke, don't start. If you smoke, quit. Ask your doctor, family, and friends to help.
- Avoid breathing in things that bother your lungs. As much as possible, stay away from fumes, toxins, secondhand smoke, and dust.
- Avoid colds, viruses, and infections. If you have COPD, even a common cold can lead to severe problems. During cold season, wash your hands well and often. Use hand sanitizer if you cannot wash your hands. Try to avoid people who are sick.
- Get vaccines. Protect your lungs against the flu and pneumonia.
- Ask your doctor about being tested for AAT deficiency. A blood test can find this inherited type of COPD. It's not common, but if you have serious lung symptoms with no clear cause (like smoking) your doctor may suggest testing. Testing may also be recommended if you get emphysema before age 46, or have a family member with AAT deficiency. Medicines as well as other treatments and lifestyle changes can keep you breathing easier if you do have it.
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