What is COPD ?

Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are two of the diseases which fall under the umbrella of COPD and often occur together. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, and many people do not realize they are affected. While some think of the disease only in relation to smokers, in reality, even non-smokers who are exposed to second hand smoke can have problems with COPD. Others may be at risk for COPD because of exposure to pollutants in the air, a history of respiratory infections as a child, or even genetic predispositions to conditions like emphysema.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease wherein the airways (i.e. tiny tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs) are partially blocked, making breathing more and more painful over time.

Over 12 million Americans have been diagnosed with COPD in one form or another, but it is believed that twice as many actually suffer from it. Can an air purifier help? Air purifiers can certainly ease breathing by providing clean air. However, medical treatment is required for airways and lungs that are already damaged.

Prevention is always the key to remain healthy, so placing air purifiers in your home, particularly in the bedroom, and in your workplace will help prevent airway and lung damage. If you or a loved one already suffer from COPD, air purifiers will undoubtedly make breathing easier, because your stressed airways will not be further stressed by having to filter out new particulate and chemicals.

In babies, the lungs are the last organ to fully develop. It is very important to provide clean indoor air for babies and children so that their airways, which are far tinier than adults, will not be damaged early on. COPD robs children of a true childhood where they can run and play, never taking a thought for their breath. Never smoke or allow anyone else to smoke around children, and always provide quality air purifiers for the child's bedroom.