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What Do You Know About COPD?

Smoking is the main cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a serious illness that makes breathing difficult. Take this quiz to find out more about COPD and how to prevent it.

1. Which of the following diseases is included in the umbrella term COPD?

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In chronic bronchitis, the bronchial tubes are continually inflamed. This makes them produce mucus. The mucus blocks the flow of air in and out of the lungs. Symptoms of chronic bronchitis include a cough that brings up mucus. Emphysema destroys the air sacs (alveoli) where oxygen passes into the bloodstream from the lungs and carbon dioxide passes out. With air sacs destroyed, the lungs bring in less oxygen. This causes shortness of breath. People with COPD often have both chronic bronchitis and emphysema. In some cases, they can also have asthma.

A. EmphysemaB. Chronic bronchitisC. Lung cancerD. A and B

2. People in what age group are most likely to say they have symptoms of COPD?

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Most people who have COPD are at least 40 years old when symptoms begin. Although it is not common, people younger than 40 can also have COPD. Symptoms of COPD include:

Coughing that doesn't get better (chronic)
Problems breathing such as shortness of breath with everyday activities
Blue lips or fingernails
Tiredness (fatigue)
Wheezing
Lots of mucus
Frequent respiratory infections

A. 15 to 24B. 25 to 34C. 35 to 39D. 40 and older

3. Long-term exposure to which of the following can increase the risk for COPD?

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According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, these irritants can raise the risk for COPD:

Smoke from cigarettes, pipes, cigars, or other types of tobacco. Don't let anyone smoke around you or your children, in your home, or in your car.
Air pollutants. Properly vent any fuel-burning appliance.
Chemicals. Don't stay in your home while it is sprayed for insects or painted.
Fumes. Keep a window open in the kitchen when you cook.
Dust

To protect your health, keep the air in your home clean of airborne irritants.

A. Airborne chemicalsB. PollutantsC. Lung irritantsD. All of the above

4. Which of the following can help improve your health if you have COPD?

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Also, wash your hands often to help prevent colds and the flu. These illnesses can be especially dangerous if you have COPD. Check with your healthcare provider before starting an exercise program if you have COPD. Also check with your provider before doing strenuous physical activity such as heavy yard work. Your provider can help you develop an exercise and activity plan that is best for you. This will help you maintain your strength. Eating a well-balanced diet and staying at a healthy weight will also help keep you strong. It's also important to pay attention to outdoor air pollution alerts. And to limit your time outdoors when the air quality is poor.

A. Not smokingB. Exercising regularlyC. Drinking alcoholD. A and B

5. Respiratory infections are major health risks for someone with COPD. Which of the following steps helps prevent these infections?

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A person with COPD can develop complications from colds and the flu. Talk with your healthcare provider about whether you should get an annual flu shot or the pneumonia vaccine.

A. Annual flu shotB. Pneumonia shot, as advised by your healthcare providerC. Staying out of draftsD. A and B

6. How is COPD treated?

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COPD can’t be cured with anything other than a lung transplant. Treatment can ease symptoms and slow the progress of the disease. Treatment can also make it easier to do physical activity and can prevent complications. Bronchodilator medicines can be either short-acting or long-acting. They relax and open the bronchial tubes. They are inhaled or taken by mouth. These medicines are the main treatment for symptoms of COPD. Inhaled steroids work to reduce airway inflammation. A program of lung exercise, called pulmonary rehabilitation, can improve function. As the disease progresses, your shortness of breath becomes worse. Over time, you may need supplemental oxygen and even mechanical help with breathing.

A. BronchodilatorsB. Inhaled corticosteroidsC. Supplemental oxygenD. All of the above

7. Which of the following eating habits can help ease symptoms of people with COPD?

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Large meals can cause bloating and make it harder to breathe. Small meals are easier to digest. If you have lost weight because of COPD, pay extra attention to nutrition. Ask your healthcare provider if you should take a nutritional supplement.

A. Don’t eat large mealsB. Try to eat small meals oftenC. Skip breakfastD. A and B

8. Which of the following ideas can help you stay active if you have COPD?

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COPD makes it hard to do household chores and take part in social and family activities. It also interferes with sleep. Pacing is important, because your energy can vary from day to day. Save special tasks for days when you feel especially energetic. Ask for help around the house. Don't do any heavy lifting, heavy pushing, raking, mowing, scrubbing, or shoveling. Think about keeping a cellphone with you at all times. This way, if your condition becomes critical, you can call for help no matter where you are.

A. Pace activitiesB. Get extra restC. Take slow breaths and purse your lips when breathingD. All of the above

Your score was:

Online Medical Reviewer: Fraser, Marianne, MSN, RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Gotwals, Jessica, RN, BS
Online Medical Reviewer: Shriber, Andrew D., MD

Date Last Reviewed: 1/1/2023

© 2000-2023 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

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