We'd like to help you understand the causes of COPD and what you may experience if you're diagnosed with this condition. Learning more about the causes and symptoms may encourage you to talk to a healthcare professional. And the earlier your condition is diagnosed, the sooner you can begin treatment.

Causes of COPD
Smoking causes 80 to 90 percent of all cases of COPD. By quitting smoking, you can reduce the risk for and symptoms of COPD.

COPD has other causes, too, including:

• Secondhand smoke
• Exposure to air pollution at work and in the outdoor environment
• Heredity

Symptoms of COPD

Chronic Bronchitis
This disease occurs when the lining of the bronchial tubes becomes inflamed and produces excess mucus that clogs the airways. While many people will suffer a brief episode of acute bronchitis with coughing, chronic bronchitis occurs when a mucus-producing cough lasts for months, or even years.

ADVAIR DISKUS 250/50 helps improve lung function in patients with COPD.

Emphysema
Many patients with emphysema, a condition caused by the weakening and breaking down of the air sacs at the end of the bronchial tubes, also have chronic bronchitis.

Common conditions patients with COPD may experience
Because many patients with COPD are former or current smokers, diseases associated with smoking (for example, heart disease and cancer) are common. If you still smoke, quitting now and visiting your doctor regularly are the best ways to reduce your chances of suffering from these conditions.

COPD may also be associated with decreased bone strength. There are tests your doctor can perform in order to determine whether or not your bones are losing strength.

Additionally, because COPD patients are generally older, they may experience common eye problems like cataracts and glaucoma. Use of inhaled corticosteroids, including ADVAIR DISKUS, may increase your risk. It's a good idea to get regular eye exams.