Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease that damages one or both of your lungs. When you have COPD, the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs are partly closed, which makes it hard to breathe.

COPD develops slowly, so it may take years before you see one of the following symptoms:

• Shortness of breath, especially with physical activity
• Continuous cough, especially if there is a lot of mucus or phlegm
• Chest tightness
• Wheezing (a whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe)

Cigarette smoking is the most common cause of COPD. If you would like to quit smoking, please call the PA Quit Line @ 1-877-724-1090. Talk to your doctor about medicines that can help you quit.

If you are a member with COPD, call Keystone Mercy's Care Coordination department to sign up for the program. The number is 1-800-573-4100. We want to help you live a healthy life. Call to speak to a Care Manager today.

For more information on COPD, go to Health Education A-Z: COPD. You can find information like:

• Plan to Control Your COPD
• Eat Better to Breathe Better with COPD
• Ease Anxiety About Shortness of Breath