What is COPD and how do you know if you have it?

Former First Lady Barbara Bush has had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for about two years. But what is the condition and how prevalent is it really? Dr. Lindsey Shepherd gives an expert look.

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[DiMosHigh]

Doctor! Thanks for the great information!

[leesmith]

The question was "Is there a way to prevent COPD" not what treatments are out there.

[savedbygodsgrace.]

Smoking was a trend in my youth of the 60s and 70s. I stopped 4 yrs ago when I was 59 unfortunately to little to late as i have copd but i still get about with help from my meds and exercise.
The human lung deterioration is slow and gradual for aging non smoking adults and for smokers it speeds up the process and damages the lungs structure beyond repair.
Still some people carry on smoking even with copd. ..they just give up on life instead of tobacco.