Living with COPD
Imagine having a cough that just won’t go away – resulting in consistent exhaustion and bouts of shortness of breath, wheezing or chest tightness.1
For people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive lung disease that reduces airflow in the lungs, these symptoms are all too common.1 Due to these physical challenges, COPD may also exact a daily toll on professional life and emotional well-being for those living with the condition.2,3
The Unmet Need in COPD
In 2020, ~12.5 million Americans were diagnosed with COPD.4 Yet, since it is so commonly under-diagnosed or misdiagnosed, millions of Americans living with COPD may be unaware of their condition.1,4 Left untreated or if undertreated, COPD can lead to poor symptom control, decline of lung function and harm of the airways, which is why appropriate early intervention and consistent proactive communication between patients and their doctors are so important.1
In particular, when patients experience symptoms that are worse than their normal symptoms (also known as exacerbations or flare-ups), it is critical that they recognize the warning signs and speak to their doctors immediately to receive appropriate and timely escalation of therapy.1
One Patient’s Story
In recognition of COPD Awareness Month this November, Dr. Norbert Feigler, Senior Medical Director, Respiratory at AstraZeneca sat down with Jason R., a patient living with COPD, to discuss Jason’s experiences with diagnosis, exacerbations, and importantly, how a sense of urgency, proactivity and improved dialogue with his doctors changed the trajectory of his COPD journey for the better.
