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When Your COPD Gets Worse

Article
What Progression Looks Like

COPD is a condition that gets worse over time. Know the signs so you can work with your doctor to respond right away.

Continue
Article
How Flare-Ups Can Lead to More Damage

A COPD flare is an isolated event, but if not controlled, the damage it leaves can linger and affect your quality of life. Here’s what you should know.

Slideshow
Things That Increase Exacerbation Risk

Smoking and air pollution are well-known causes of COPD flares, but there are other not-so-obvious triggers. Here’s what else can put you at risk.

Article
Tests That Determine Progression

These are the tests your doctor may use to track how your COPD progresses, or gets worse over time.

Article
How Pulmonary Rehab Can Help

Pulmonary rehabilitation is more than an exercise class. It’s key to making lifestyle changes and managing your physical and mental health with COPD.

Article
Lung Complications of COPD

Shortness of breath is just one way that COPD affects your lungs. It can set off other conditions that impact your lungs in an ongoing cycle. Know more.

Article
Full-Body Effects of COPD

COPD doesn’t stop at your lungs: It can damage your general health and mental health as well. Know the other conditions that can go along with this disease.

Article
Next-Line Therapies for Progression

When a single COPD medication no longer controls your symptoms, a dual or triple therapy approach may help.

Article
When to Go to the Hospital

When a COPD flare is serious and at-home treatments don’t work, you may need hospital care. Here’s how to be ready and what to expect.

Article
COPD in the Black Community

COPD is often underdiagnosed in Black people. Here’s why that’s common and how important it is to get the care you need from a doctor you trust.

Video
“Granny Still Rocks,” Even With COPD

“The more I sing, the better my lungs feel,” Michele Rufener says. This granny with a blue mohawk belts heavy metal tunes to strengthen her damaged lungs.

See More on COPD Resource Center From WebMD

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