Today’s edition of Medical Myths centers on misconceptions about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We cover myths about exercise, body weight, treatments, and more.
COPD is an umbrella term for a collection of progressive respiratory conditions, all of which cause breathing difficulties.
The most prevalent symptoms of COPD are shortness of breath and a cough. Over time, even everyday activities, such as getting dressed, can become challenging.
In this article, we cover some of the most common myths associated with COPD. To ensure we provide accurate information, we have recruited two experts.
Dr. Neil Schachter is a professor of medicine — pulmonary, critical care, environmental medicine, and public health — at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. He is also medical director of pulmonary rehabilitation at the Mount Sinai Health System.
Dr. Shahryar Yadegar is a critical care medicine specialist, pulmonologist, and medical director of the ICU at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center, CA.
1. COPD is rare
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), COPD caused 3.23 millionTrusted Source deaths in 2019, making it the third leading cause of death worldwide.
Dr. Schachter explained that in the United States, COPD “is the fourth leading causeTrusted Source of death. More than 16 million Americans are diagnosed.”
Additionally, as Dr. Yadegar told Medical News Today, “millionsTrusted Source more people may be undiagnosed.”
The American Lung Association (ALA) recommends that anyone who is “experiencing COPD symptoms — chronic cough, shortness of breath, frequent respiratory infections, significant mucus production (also called phlegm or sputum), and/or wheezing — speak with [a] doctor about obtaining a breathing test called ‘spirometry,’ which can help diagnose COPD.”
