Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) affects around 251 million people globally.1 It is a term that covers two types of chronic (long-term) diseases where the airways in the lungs become “obstructed” or partly blocked. More About COPDCOPD is a progressive disease, meaning it typically worsens over time. It cannot be cured, but it can be treated and managed so people with COPD can breathe better and live fuller lives. What is COPD?COPD consists of two types of breathing diseases (some people with COPD have both of these diseases):Chronic bronchitis which makes the airways inflamed, red and swollen. Airways cannot clear the mucus and the glands in the airways make extra mucus (phlegm), resulting in full or part blockage of some of the airways. This leads to shortness of breath, cough, and coughing up mucusEmphysema is when the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs are damaged. When your alveoli are damaged or destroyed, it becomes difficult for the lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide and less oxygen gets into your body. Your lungs do not fully empty and air is trapped. COPD Action Plan A COPD action plan is a written agreement between you and your doctor that spells out how to handle your symptoms as your condition changes. It should be tailored for you by a healthcare professional. Your action plan covers a full range of events, from when you feel good to if you need emergency medical care.To better manage your COPD, develop a personalized COPD Action Plan with your healthcare team. You can bring this printable to your next healthcare appointment. Download the Action Plan Template References:1. Adeloye, D., et al.Global, regional, and national prevalence of, and risk factors for, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in 2019: a systematic review and modelling analysis. The Lancet. Respiratory Medicine. 10(5); 447-458, 2022.2. Neil Barnes et al; COPD and exacerbations: Patient insights. BMC Pulmonary Medicine 20133. Burudpakee et al; Pulm Ther 2017 DOI: 10.1007/s41030-017-0027-54. https://www.nationaljewish.org/conditions/copd-chronic-obstructive-pulm… disease/overview/lifestyle-management/bring-up-mucus Causes