FAQs About COPD

We’d like to share the answers to some frequently asked questions about COPD. You can also find answers to frequently asked questions about ADVAIR.

ADVAIR DISKUS 250/50 is approved for adults with COPD, including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both. ADVAIR DISKUS is not for, and should not be used to treat, sudden, severe symptoms of COPD. ADVAIR won’t replace a rescue inhaler. You should only take 1 inhalation of ADVAIR twice a day. Higher doses will not provide additional benefits.

• What is COPD?
• What is chronic bronchitis?
• What is emphysema?
• What is a COPD exacerbation?
• How does COPD make it hard to breathe?
• What can be done for COPD, including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both?
• Is smoking the main cause of COPD?
• How can people with COPD live more comfortably with their condition?
• Does exercise help people with COPD?
• Are there any breathing techniques that can help me?
• Are there diet tips for people with COPD?
• What if I am having difficulty paying for my ADVAIR DISKUS?

What is COPD?
COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary (lung) disease. It's a term for a condition in which the airflow into and out of the lungs is reduced due to chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both. Patients may experience symptoms of one of these conditions, which can make it difficult to breathe. The good news is there are things you can do to help improve lung function so you can breathe better.

What is chronic bronchitis?
Chronic bronchitis means the airways are irritated, narrowed, and make too much sticky mucus. The walls of the airways are swollen and block air from passing through.  Over time, this causes permanent damage to the lungs. 

What is emphysema?
With emphysema, the walls of the air sacs in the lungs lose their elasticity and stale air gets trapped inside.  Air sacs are then not able to move oxygen into the bloodstream efficiently.  

What is a COPD exacerbation?
Even though you may have never heard the term, if you have COPD, chances are, you’ve had an exacerbation.  Most people with COPD periodically suffer from a marked worsening of their COPD symptoms.  This can last for a few days and often requires antibiotics, oral steroids, and in some cases, hospitalization.  Doctors call this an exacerbation (ig-zas-er-BAY-shun). The good news is that you may be able to reduce the number of COPD exacerbations. 

How does COPD make it hard to breathe?
The airways in your lungs lose their elasticity, which makes it harder to get the air out when exhaling.  The walls between air sacs are destroyed.  The walls of the airways themselves become thick and swollen, and the airways narrow.  Cells in the walls of the airways make more mucus than usual, which blocks the airways.

What can be done for COPD, including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both?
If you still smoke, the first thing to do is stop. Even if you already have COPD, quitting smoking can significantly prevent loss of lung function. There are also medicines available that can help improve lung function for better breathing in people with COPD, including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both. Talk with your doctor to see if you are doing all you can for your condition.

Is smoking the main cause of COPD?
Smoking causes 80%-90% of COPD cases. Cigarette smoke can cause inflammation and damage the lungs. It is believed that this inflammation can then lead to COPD. Quitting smoking is the best way to reduce the risk of getting COPD.

How can people with COPD live more comfortably with their condition?
Your healthcare provider can help you live more comfortably with COPD. Your doctor’s advice and treatment may include: quitting smoking, medicines, supplemental oxygen, exercise, and vaccines.

Does exercise help people with COPD?
Believe it or not, even a mild to moderate workout routine can improve your health. In fact, physical activity can have many benefits. It improves muscle tone, increases energy level, strengthens the heart, and gives you a more positive outlook. It also helps you to do more with less effort. Your doctor will tell you how much exercise you should do, and how much is too much.

Are there any breathing techniques that can help me?
Pursed lip breathing is a simple way to help with shortness of breath.  Controlled coughing saves energy and therefore, oxygen.  Talk to your doctor about whether these may be effective techniques for you.

Are there diet tips for people with COPD?
It is important for you to eat a healthy diet that provides you with the extra energy you need to breathe.  Good nutrition can increase your overall well-being.  And since too much sodium can cause you to retain too much fluid, try not to eat too much salt.  It’s best to eat fresh, healthy foods such as leafy greens, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins. 

What if I am having difficulty paying for my ADVAIR DISKUS?
GlaxoSmithKline offers multiple programs to help patients afford their medicine. To learn more about these programs, please go to www.gskforyou.com or call 1-866-GSK-FOR-U (1-866-475-3678).