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About COPD

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What is COPD?

image of open and blocked airways

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a condition that makes it more difficult to breathe. People with COPD may miss out on the things they enjoy doing. For instance, some people with COPD avoid everyday activities out of fear that they will be short of breath or start coughing and be unable to stop.

COPD includes two different diseases: chronic bronchitis (bronk-eye-tiss) and emphysema (em-fizz-ee-mah).3,4 You might have only one of these conditions, but it is common to have both at the same time.4

Symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, persistent cough and an increase in mucus production. You can experience some of these symptoms many years before developing the others.5 These symptoms may interfere with your daily activities. Even the threat of a flare-up can be enough to make people with COPD turn down opportunities to do the things they enjoy the most. But while COPD is a challenge, there are things you can do to try and stay healthy and active.

What Can I Do to Try and Stay Healthy and Active?

COPD Medication

The good news is there are many effective treatment choices that can help to relieve the symptoms of COPD and may help you live a more active life. Click here to learn more about COPD therapy.

Everyday Steps

There are also simple steps you can take to maintain your health. You can:

  • Quit smoking6
  • Get your flu shot every year if recommended by your doctor6
  • Wash your hands frequently to avoid catching a cold6
  • Keep the air in your home clean and free of smoke, dust and chemicals6
  • Avoid dust and fumes and stay indoors on bad air days; check daily air quality levels and air pollution forecasts in your area7
  • Exercise and maintain a healthy diet7

By following these sensible steps you can begin to take control of your health and your life.

What Causes COPD?

COPD is usually caused by smoking (or second-hand smoke), but can sometimes be caused by other factors as well. For example, you may have inhaled large amounts of dust or chemicals at work. 5

Who Has COPD?

In 2009, a health survey found that almost 10 million adults in the U.S. had been diagnosed with chronic bronchitis in the past year, and almost five million had been diagnosed with emphysema at some point in their lives.8,9 It is believed that millions more have COPD and do not yet know it.3 Whether you are living with COPD or caring for someone who is, you are not alone!

Where Can I Find More COPD Information and Support?

There are many people and groups who can help you manage your COPD and your treatment, or help you care for someone with COPD. These include your health care team, family and friends, support and advocacy groups, online support groups and local hospitals. Learn more about available resources.

Caregivers Are Not Alone

If a loved one (maybe a parent or a spouse) has COPD, remember that you are not alone as a caregiver. Millions of Americans have COPD, and family members and friends play an important role in helping keep track of medicines, schedules and doctors appointments. It's a big responsibility.

Take care of yourself. Taking care of your own health will help you to better care for your loved one longer. Try to find time to exercise and eat right. And spend some time away from your regular responsibilities so you can feel refreshed when you return to your role as a caregiver. Read, listen to music, or telephone friends. And don't be afraid to ask for support. Ask family, friends, and neighbors to help with tasks and chores, and find caregiver resources in your area early, before you need them.10

Support groups are a great way to share experiences, information and suggestions with others who are in the same situation. For more information on support groups for caregivers, visit the Resources page of this site.

Next topic: COPD Resources

References

  1. PERFOROMIST Prescribing Information. Napa, CA: Dey Pharma, L.P. 2010.
  2. Gross NJ, Nelson HS, Lapidus RJ, et al; Formoterol Study Group. Efficacy and safety of formoterol fumarate delivered by nebulization to COPD patients. Respir Med. 2008;102(2):189-197.
  3. Mannino DM et al. MMWR Surveill Summ. 2002;51:1-13.
  4. National Institutes of Health/U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute Diseases and Conditions Index. What is COPD? Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Copd/Copd_WhatIs.html. Accessed July 13, 2011.
  5. Rodriguez-Roisin R, Anzueto A, Bourbeau J, et al; GOLD Executive Committee. Global strategy for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (updated 2009). Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease website: http://www.goldcopd.org/guidelines-global-strategy-for-diagnosis-management.html. Accessed March 8, 2010.
  6. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: National Institutes of Health. When you are diagnosed with COPD. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/lung/copd/breathing-better/taking-action.htm. Accessed July 13, 2011.
  7. American Lung Association. Living with COPD: a life change. Available at: http://www.lungusa.org/lung-disease/copd/living-with-copd/life-change.html. Accessed July 13, 2011.
  8. CDC FastStats: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Includes: Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/copd.htm. Accessed April 11, 2011.
  9. CDC Vital and Health Statistics. Summary Health Statistics for U.S. Adults: National Health Interview Survey, 2009. Hyattsville, Maryland. 8/2010.
  10. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Caregiver tip sheet. Available at: http://www.strokecamp.com/content/resourcesCAR/CaregiverTipSheet.pdf. Accessed on July 13, 2011.
  11. Data on file. Evaluation of concepts for Perforomist. Dey #0257 Final research report (market research). LinguiSearch. March 23, 2011.
  12. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/NIH. Living with COPD. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Copd/Copd_LivingWith.html. Access July 13, 2011.
  13. Nelson HS, Gross NJ, Levine B, et al. Formoterol Study Group. Cardiac safety profile of nebulized formoterol in adults with COPD: a 12-week, multicenter, ranodmized, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo- and active-controlled trial [published correction appears in Clin Ther. 2009;31(4):920].
  14. Proventil HFA Prescribing Information. Kenilworth, NJ: Schering-Plough. 1998.
  15. Atrovent HFA Prescribing Information. Ridgefield, CT: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2010.
  16. Combivent Prescribing Information. Ridgefield, CT: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. September 2010.
  17. Spiriva HandiHaler Prescribing Information. Ridgefield, CT: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and New York, NY: Pfizer Inc. 2010.
  18. Dolovich MB, Ahrens RC, Hess DR, et al. Device selection and outcomes of aerosol treatment: evidence-based guidelines. Chest. 2005;127(1):335-371.
  19. Theophylline extended-release tablets prescribing information. Kansas City, MO: Nostrum Laboratories, Inc. May 2009.
  20. Pari Trek S Compact Compressor Nebulizer System. Instructions for use. Revised 2006.
  21. Geller DE. Comparing clinical features of the nebulizer, metered-dose inhaler, and dry powder inhaler. Respir Care. 2005;50:1313-1321.
  22. Advair HFA Prescribing Information. Research Triangle Park, NC: GlaxoSmithKline. 2011.
  23. Press VG, Arora VM, Shah LM, et al. Misuse of respiratory inhalers in hospitalized patients with asthma or COPD. J Gen Intern Med. In press.
  24. Van der Palen J, Klein JJ, Kerkhoff AH, van Herwaarden CL, Seydel ER. Evaluation of the long-term effectiveness of three instruction modes for inhaling medicines. Pt Ed Couns. 1997;32:S87-S95.
  25. Data on file. Survey conducted by KRC Research: COPD Patient and Caregiver Studies, March 2009. Dey Pharma, LP.
  26. Advair Diskus Prescribing Information. Research Triangle Park, NC: GlaxoSmithKline. 2011.
  27. Pulmicort Flexhaler Prescribing Information. Södertälje, Sweden: AstraZeneca. 2010.
  28. Mayo Clinic. Asthma inhalers: which one’s right for you? Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/asthma-inhalers/HQ01081/METHOD=print. Accessed August 22, 2011.
  29. American Lung Association of Minnesota/Minnesota COPD Coalition/NCQA Certified Disease Management. Understanding & managing your chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) brochure. 09/07.
  30. Ventolin HFA Prescribing Information. Research Triangle Park, NC: GlaxoSmithKline. 2009.
  31. American Lung Association. My COPD Action Plan. Available at: http://www.lungusa.org/lung-disease/copd/living-with-copd/copd-management-tools.html. Accessed August 22, 2011.
  32. American Thoracic Society. Standards for the Diagnosis and Care of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. 1995;152:S77-S120
  33. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: National Institutes of Health. National Asthma Education and Prevention Program. Expert Panel Report 3: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma. Full Report 2007.
  34. Symbicort Prescribing Information. Dunkerque, France: AstraZeneca. 2010.
  35. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Department of Health and Human Services, USA. Medicare and Home Health Care. Available at: www.medicare.gov.
  36. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Medicaid Program—General Information: Overview. Available at: www.cms.gov/MedicaidGenInfo/. Accessed June 23, 2011.

Please see full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide, including Boxed Warning.

Indication

PERFOROMIST (formoterol fumarate) Inhalation Solution is used for the long-term treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including chronic inflammation of the lungs (bronchitis) and emphysema. It is only to be used with a nebulizer and is taken twice daily (morning and evening).

WARNING: ASTHMA-RELATED DEATH

PERFOROMIST Inhalation Solution belongs to a class of drugs called long-acting beta2-agonists (LABA). People with asthma who take LABA such as PERFOROMIST Inhalation Solution have an increased risk of death from asthma problems. Do not use PERFOROMIST Inhalation Solution if you have asthma without using a long-term asthma control medicine.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Warnings and Precautions
PERFOROMIST Inhalation Solution should not be used instead of rescue inhaler or nebulized medicine for the treatment of acute symptoms. Extra doses of PERFOROMIST Inhalation Solution should not be used for that purpose since overuse can cause serious heart problems, including death. Acute or sudden symptoms should be treated with an inhaled short-acting beta2-agonist. Seek immediate medical attention if:

  • your symptoms quickly worsen despite recommended doses of PERFOROMIST Inhalation Solution
  • PERFOROMIST Inhalation Solution treatment becomes less effective
  • you need more inhalations of a short-acting beta2-agonist (rescue inhaler or nebulized medicine) than usual.

Do not use PERFOROMIST Inhalation Solution with other LABA medicines for any reason.

How to Use PERFOROMIST Inhalation Solution
Use PERFOROMIST Inhalation Solution exactly as directed by your health care professional. Do not stop using PERFOROMIST Inhalation Solution or other medicines to control or treat your COPD unless told to do so by your health care professional because your symptoms might get worse. Your health care professional will change your medicines as needed.

Co-existing Conditions
The use of PERFOROMIST Inhalation Solution with certain health conditions or with certain medications can cause serious side effects. Tell your health care professional about all of your health conditions, including if you:

  • have heart problems
  • have high blood pressure
  • have diabetes
  • have seizures
  • have thyroid problems
  • have liver problems
  • are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if PERFOROMIST Inhalation Solution can harm an unborn baby.
  • are breastfeeding. It is not known if PERFOROMIST Inhalation Solution passes into breast milk and if it can harm your baby.

Drug Interactions
Tell your health care professional about all the medicines you take including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. PERFOROMIST Inhalation Solution and certain other medicines may interact with each other and cause serious side effects.

Side Effects
The most common side effects reported in patients taking PERFOROMIST Inhalation Solution were diarrhea, nausea, nasopharyngitis, dry mouth, dizziness, and insomnia. Serious side effects may include sudden shortness of breath, serious allergic reactions, chest pain, increased or decreased blood pressure, a fast and irregular heartbeat, low blood potassium, high blood sugar, and high blood acid.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.
Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.