COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a disease of the lungs. Although COPD may include many different lung diseases, the most common are emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Our COPD program is part of our chronic condition management program. We want to help you understand COPD and learn how to live well with it.

With COPD, the lung passages thicken and narrow, and you experience increased mucus (phlegm) and more coughing.

By following your treatment plan, there’s a lot you can do to live well. You can manage your condition and work with your doctor to:

• Create a personal action plan (PDF)
• Use medicines correctly, whether you’re taking a short- or long-acting medicine (If you use an inhaler, our inhaler record (PDF) can help you track when to get a new inhaler.)
• Avoid, reduce or eliminate personal COPD triggers
• Quit smoking

• American Lung Association
• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services)
• NIH Senior Health
• New York Online Access to Health

To talk with a nurse, call us at 1-800-392-4247 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Log in to Member Secured Services and click the Health and Wellness tab for more health resources, including in-depth information about these conditions.