Breath In, Breath Out this Orange November: Facts about COPD

The ability to breathe normally is a gift that many of us take for granted. What will you do if you end up in the hospital in search of an oxygen tank? Let us join millions of others in observing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Awareness Month this November! Let’s go over #COPD in more detail to get a better understanding of it.

A woman breathing fresh air in a green field.


What exactly is COPD?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a term used to describe a collection of disorders that produce airflow obstruction and breathing difficulties. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are examples. Unbeknownst to many, there are 16 million Americans who suffer from COPD and there are millions more who aren’t diagnosed or aren’t receiving treatment. COPD can be treated, even if there is no cure. Here are important facts you must know about COPD.

It’s killing people.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, COPD was the fourth leading cause of death in the United States in 2018. Someone with COPD dies every four minutes in the U.S.

It’s expensive.

COPD treatment, rehabilitation, and maintenance are all costly. It necessitates a thorough examination by a physician. While treatments and lifestyle changes can help slow the progression of COPD, there is no cure at the moment. Furthermore, different parts of Medicare may cover various COPD treatment services and tools, such as bronchodilators and inhaled steroids.

It affects women, the elderly, smokers, teens, and people with a history of asthma.  

In the United States, more women than men have died from COPD since 2000. Because tobacco smoke is the primary cause of COPD, smokers, the elderly, and teens who vape and smoke are all at risk.

What are the causes and symptoms of COPD?

Individuals who smoke and have a long-term exposure to workplace pollutants like toxic chemicals, dust, or fumes may be at risk for COPD.

4 cigarettes arrange on top of each other with the first cigarette lit up.

Secondary smoking can also lead to COPD as well as vaping. Symptoms of COPD include:

  • Coughing or wheezing frequently;
  • Excessive production of phlegm, mucus, or sputum;
  • Shortness of breath; and 
  • Trouble taking a deep breath.

How to observe COPD Month?

Raising awareness about COPD is one of the most important things we can do to commemorate COPD Month. We can attend COPD-related events hosted by various organizations while wearing orange clothes, since it is the color representing COPD. Aside from that, prevention and health safety are important. Making a doctor’s appointment to help monitor one’s health is another way to commemorate this event. 

A man and a female doctor facing each other in a table.

Moreover, this month is also an excellent time to look into insurance plans that can help cover COPD treatments and rehabilitation. Simple Choice can provide a thorough explanation of the plan that best meets your requirements. Talk to one of our agents now and see the Simple Choice difference.

COPD is deadly, but we can still encourage those who are suffering from it to live a healthy lifestyle, quit smoking, and avoid tobacco smoke and other air pollutants. Help raise awareness, take good care of your own health, and share relevant COPD information — these are our roles this #OrangeNovember.

Aren’t you thankful that you’re still breathing normally after reading this?