The third leading cause of death in US is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD is chronic lung disorder which makes it difficult for sufferer to breathe. About twelve million people across America have COPD and other twelve million suffering the symptoms, but not diagnosed yet.

COPD is an umbrella term used for chronic lung disorder including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. This is the highest rising disease and will affect about twenty-five percent of all adults aged thirty-five and above in some point in their life. COPD can be treated if diagnosis early and will help sufferers to breathe better and live longer.

The main symptoms of the condition may include shortness of breath, wheezing, chronic cough, excess phlegm and feeling that one cannot take a deep breath. Several people think that their symptoms are the natural process of ageing. If a person feels shortness of breath or cough has slowed them down, then that person should go for test known as spirometry.

COPD is most frequently occurred due to exposure to tobacco smoke either through smoking or secondhand smoke. One can also get COPD through exposure to ecological contaminants and genetics. It is a progressive disorder and in absence of treatment it will keep on to get worse, but with the right treatment one will be able to breathe better.

The month of November therefore brings awareness to third-leading cause of death. The American Lung Association in Iowa in collaboration with Iowa Hospice will conduct fifteen educational presentations on COPD across the state. The presentation will explain what COPD is, what causes it, and its symptoms and treatment options.

The participants will also get an opportunity to take a screen test for COPD to make out if they are at risk for COPD.

Video : How COPD affects the body