What causes COPD and who is at risk?

Each November observes Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Awareness Month—a time to raise awareness about a group of lung conditions that make breathing difficult and affects millions of adults each year. COPD causes airflow blockage and breathing-related problems, often due to long-term exposure to harmful irritants such as cigarette smoke, environmental pollutants, fumes, and dust.

Over time, this exposure damages the lungs, making it harder to breathe. There are two main types of COPD:

1. Emphysema: Caused by damage to the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs, often linked to smoking.
2. Chronic bronchitis: Results from inflammation and damage to the bronchial tubes, leading to persistent coughing and mucus production.

Common causes of COPD

The most common causes of COPD include:

• Smoking
• Secondhand smoke exposure
• Long-term exposure to air pollutants, chemicals, and workplace dust
• Genetics

Who is at risk for COPD?

You may be at higher risk of developing COPD if you:

• Are a current or former smoker
• Have a history of occupational exposure to dust, chemicals, or fumes
• Live in areas with high air pollution
• Have a family history of lung disease

Symptoms of COPD

COPD symptoms often develop slowly and worsen over time. Common signs can include:

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing or coughing
• Excess mucus or phlegm production
• Difficulty taking deep breaths

COPD treatment and management

Although there is no cure for COPD, various treatment options are available to manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking can reduce the risk of developing COPD. Tobacco cessation programs offer in-person or remote counseling to support quitting. Medications and inhalers can be prescribed to alleviate the symptoms of COPD.

For individuals living with COPD, pulmonary rehabilitation may help improve lung function, endurance, and quality of life: "One of the things that I see is people with COPD restricting their activities. The benefit of pulmonary rehabilitation is that you’re able to resume activities such as walking your dog,” says Dr. James Mojica, MD, Vice-Chief and Clinical Director of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital.

If you’re a Mass General Brigham Health Plan member, you have access to additional care management resources:

• Tobacco cessation program: Get one-on-one telephonic counseling with a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist (CTTS) to support your journey toward quitting.
• Asthma and COPD care management: Our respiratory therapists will work with you and your provider to create a personalized treatment plan. This program helps you better manage conditions like asthma and COPD and ensures you receive the care you need.

To learn more about these programs, call the number on the back of your member ID card or email HealthPlanCareManagement@mgb.org.