A COPD Awareness Month Guide
Every November, COPD Awareness Month shines a spotlight on one of the most common and often misunderstood chronic health conditions in the United States: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 16 million Americans have been diagnosed with COPD, and millions more may have it without knowing.¹ Because COPD develops slowly, its early warning signs often go unnoticed or are mistaken for normal aging, allergies, or simply being “out of shape.”
If you or someone you love has been experiencing persistent breathing issues, knowing what to look for can make all the difference.
What Is COPD?
COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It’s a long-term lung condition that makes it hard to breathe over time. COPD isn’t just one disease. It is a group of progressive lung diseases1, mainly these two conditions:
- Chronic bronchitis, which causes a long-term cough and mucus due to inflamed airways
- Emphysema, which damages the tiny air sacs in the lungs, making it hard to get enough oxygen
What Causes COPD?
Most cases of COPD are caused by long-term exposure to irritants that damage the lungs. Common causes include2:
- Smoking cigarettes or cigars
- Breathing in secondhand smoke
- Air pollution, dust, or workplace chemicals
- Long-term asthma or respiratory infections
- Rarely, a genetic condition called Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Smoking is the most common cause, but even nonsmokers can develop COPD.
Why Early Diagnosis Is So Important
COPD gets worse over time, but early treatment can slow down the damage. If caught early, people with COPD can:
- Breathe easier with the right medications or oxygen therapy
- Reduce flare-ups and infections
- Stay active and independent longer
- Avoid trips to the ER or hospital
Knowing the warning signs can help you get care before your symptoms interfere with daily life.
7 Early Signs of COPD You Shouldn’t Ignore
These warning signs are your body’s way of signaling that your lungs might need help. If you notice several of these symptoms3 regularly, it’s time to speak with a healthcare provider.
1. A Persistent Cough That Won’t Go Away
A lingering cough, sometimes called a “smoker’s cough,” is one of the earliest and most common signs of COPD. It might be dry or bring up mucus (phlegm), especially in the mornings.
What it means: Your lungs may be irritated or inflamed, trying to clear out built-up mucus.
2. Shortness of Breath During Normal Activities
Do you get winded climbing stairs, walking to the mailbox, or doing chores you used to do easily? This kind of breathlessness, especially if it’s new or getting worse, is a key sign of COPD.
What it means: Your lungs may not be exchanging oxygen properly, especially if air is getting trapped inside them.
3. Wheezing or Whistling When Breathing
If you hear a whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe, especially at night, it may be caused by narrowed or blocked airways.
What it means: Wheezing can happen with asthma, but in adults over 40, it’s also linked to COPD. Don’t ignore it.
4. Frequent Chest Colds or Infections
Getting sick often with bronchitis, pneumonia, or other respiratory infections? It could be a red flag.
What it means: COPD makes it harder for your lungs to clear viruses and bacteria. You might find yourself catching colds more easily or taking longer to recover.
5. Feeling Tightness or Pressure in the Chest
Chest discomfort in COPD doesn’t usually feel sharp like a heart attack. It may feel more like heaviness, pressure, or tightness, especially when moving around.
What it means: Your lungs might be overinflated, straining your breathing muscles and making it harder to take a deep breath.
6. Mucus That’s Hard to Clear
Are you coughing up more mucus than usual? Is it thick, sticky, or colored (yellow or green)? You may be producing too much mucus, even without an infection.
What it means: This is a common sign of chronic bronchitis and can make breathing more difficult.
7. Constant Fatigue or Low Energy
Feeling exhausted all the time, even after a full night’s sleep, is another early clue.
What it means: Your body may not be getting enough oxygen, which can lead to tiredness, weakness, and trouble focusing.
What to Do if You Think You Have COPD
If any of these symptoms feel familiar, here’s what you can do:
- Track your symptoms. Write down when they happen and what makes them better or worse.
- See your doctor. A simple breathing test called spirometry can measure how well your lungs are working.
- Get a diagnosis. If COPD is suspected, your doctor may recommend medications, inhalers, lifestyle changes, or oxygen therapy.
- Ask questions. Learn what type of COPD you have and what treatments can help.
- Don’t wait. The earlier you start managing COPD, the more control you’ll have over your breathing and your future health.
Getting help sooner really makes a difference. Studies show that getting diagnosed and treated for COPD earlier can help keep you out of the hospital, stop your symptoms from getting worse, and make it easier for you to feel better day to day.4
How Rotech Healthcare Supports People with COPD
At Rotech Healthcare, we believe no one should struggle to breathe or navigate their care alone. We specialize in helping patients manage COPD with reliable respiratory equipment, personalized support, and compassionate care.
Here’s how we help:
Oxygen Therapy, Customized for You
- Portable and home oxygen concentrators
- Fast local delivery and setup
- 24/7 phone support to answer your questions and troubleshoot equipment
Sleep Therapy (CPAP and BiLevel)
- For patients with an overlap of COPD and sleep apnea
- Resupply services to keep your therapy consistent
Trusted Clinical Support
- Licensed respiratory therapists who work directly with your doctor
- Educational support for you and your caregivers
- Ongoing therapy monitoring
Insurance Coordination Made Easy
- We work with most major insurance plans and Medicare Part B
- We handle the paperwork, so you can breathe easier
Visit www.rotech.com to find your local office or start your oxygen referral today.
Rotech Is Here to Help You Breathe Easier
If you recognize any of these early COPD symptoms in yourself or a loved one, don’t wait! Take control of your lung health today. COPD may sound scary, but with the right care, you can live a full, active life.
Schedule a visit with your healthcare provider to discuss your concerns and get the answers you need. And remember that you’re not alone on this journey. Rotech is here to support you with expert guidance, compassionate care, and quality respiratory equipment every step of the way.
This COPD Awareness Month, take the first step toward better breathing.
Contact your local Rotech office or visit Rotech.com to learn more.
References
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). CDC.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/copd/index.html
2 American Lung Association. (2025, March 19). COPD Causes and Risk Factors. American Lung Association. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd/what-causes-copd
3 American Lung Association. (2023, April 28). COPD Symptoms. American Lung Association. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd/symptoms-diagnosis/symptoms
4 Larsson, K., Janson, C., Ställberg, B., Lisspers, K., Olsson, P., Kostikas, K., Gruenberger, J.-B., Gutzwiller, F. S., Uhde, M., Jorgensen, L., & Johansson, G. (2019). Impact of COPD diagnosis timing on clinical and economic outcomes: the ARCTIC observational cohort study. International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, 14(14), 995–1008. https://doi.org/10.2147/COPD.S195382