What Do You Know About COPD?

Smoking is the main cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a serious, debilitating and often fatal illness. Take this quiz to find out more about COPD and how to prevent it.

1. Which of the following diseases is included in the umbrella term chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?You didn't answer this question.You answered The correct answer is In chronic bronchitis, the bronchial tubes are continually inflamed, which leads to scarring. Inflamed and/or scarred bronchi allow less air to flow in and out of the lungs. Symptoms of chronic bronchitis include a cough that brings up mucus. Emphysema destroys the air sacs, or alveoli, where oxygen passes into the bloodstream from the lungs and carbon dioxide passes out. With air sacs destroyed, the lungs exchange less oxygen, causing shortness of breath. Emphysema is an extension of chronic bronchitis. People with COPD often have both chronic bronchitis and emphysema.A. EmphysemaB. Chronic bronchitisC. Lung cancerD. A and B2. What age group is most likely to have symptoms of COPD?You didn't answer this question.You answered The correct answer is Most people who have COPD are at least 40 years old when symptoms begin. Although uncommon, people younger than 40 can have COPD.A. 15 to 24B. 25 to 34C. 35 to 39D. 40 and older3. Long-term exposure to which of the following can increase the risk for COPD?You didn't answer this question.You answered The correct answer is If you have COPD, here are tips from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute on how to keep the air in your home clean of airborne irritants:

• Don't allow anyone to smoke in your home.
• Keep fumes and strong smells out of your home.
• Don't stay in your home while it is sprayed for insects or painted.
• Keep a window open in the kitchen when you cook.
• Properly vent any fuel-burning appliance.

A. Airborne chemicalsB. PollutantsC. Lung irritantsD. All of the above4. Which of the following can help improve the health of people with COPD?You didn't answer this question.You answered The correct answer is Also, frequent hand washing can help prevent colds and the flu, which can be especially dangerous for people with COPD.A. Not smokingB. Exercising regularlyC. Drinking alcoholD. A and B5. Respiratory infections can block the airways in someone with COPD. Which of the following steps helps prevent these dangerous infections?You didn't answer this question.You answered The correct answer is A person with COPD is more likely to develop complications from colds and the flu. To help prevent respiratory infections, it's important to get a flu shot every year and a one-time pneumonia shot.A. Annual flu shotB. Pneumonia shotC. Avoiding draftsD. A and B6. How is COPD treated?You didn't answer this question.You answered The correct answer is COPD can’t be cured. Treatment can decrease symptoms, slow the progress of the disease, improve physical activity, and prevent complications. Bronchodilator medications can be either short- or long-acting. They relax and open the bronchial tubes. Inhaled or taken orally, they are the main treatment for symptoms of COPD. Inhaled steroids work to reduce airway inflammation. A program of lung exercise, called pulmonary rehabilitation, can improve function. As the disease progresses, shortness of breath becomes worse. Eventually, the person may need supplemental oxygen and even mechanical help with breathing.A. BronchodilatorsB. Inhaled corticosteroidsC. Supplemental oxygenD. All of the above7. Which of the following eating habits can help people with COPD stay healthy?You didn't answer this question.You answered The correct answer is Large meals can cause bloating and restrict breathing. Small meals are easier to digest. People who have lost weight because of COPD should pay extra attention to nutrition and ask their doctors if they should take prescribed nutritional supplements.A. Don’t eat large mealsB. Try to eat frequent small mealsC. Skip breakfastD. A and B8. Which of the following strategies can help someone with COPD stay functional?You didn't answer this question.You answered The correct answer is COPD makes it difficult to do household chores and participate in social and family activities. It also interferes with sleep. Pacing is important, because your energy can vary from day to day. Save special tasks for days when you feel especially energetic. Ask for help around the house, and avoid heavy lifting, heavy pushing, raking, mowing, scrubbing and shoveling. Consider keeping a portable phone or cell phone with you at all times. This way, if your condition becomes critical, you can call for help no matter where you are.A. Pace activitiesB. Get extra restC. Avoid aerosol deodorant and hairsprayD. All of the above9. Which of the following should you do if using supplemental oxygen?You didn't answer this question.You answered The correct answer is Have your supplier explain all the technical aspects of your equipment’s operation. Because oxygen is a prescribed drug, your health care provider must answer questions about amount and usage. Keep all the oxygen and breathing equipment together and leave it there between treatments. A place near a bathroom or the kitchen is especially good so you can more easily clean and sterilize the equipment. The bedroom is critical, however, if you need treatments during the night.A. Ask the supplier how much oxygen you should getB. Inhale through your noseC. Change the nasal cannulas oftenD. B and CYour score was: