Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a.k.a. COPD, is a pretty common health issue among Americans. It affects an estimated 30 million Americans, being the fourth leading cause of death in our country. The saddest part? Half of the Americans who have this disease don’t even know it.
Wondering why? Because its symptoms tend to appear gradually and, even worse, they are often mistaken for something else like allergies, flu, colds, and other less serious health issues. COPD actually refers to a group of progressive lung diseases, but the most common ones are emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
If left untreated, COPD can even lead to heart problems. So, if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, don’t wait and talk to your doctor immediately.
