Quiz – Taking Your Breath Away

There are two main forms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD: chronic bronchitis, which involves a long-term cough with mucus, and emphysema, which gradually damages the air sacs in your lungs. Most people with COPD have a combination of both conditions. Just because you don’t smoke doesn’t mean you’re not at risk. Take our quiz to learn more:

1. A common symptom of COPD is:

A. Cough, with or without mucus

B. Fatigue

C. Respiratory infections

D. Shortness of breath (dyspnea) that gets worse with mild activity

E. All of the above

2. The main test for COPD is called a spirometry.

A. True

B. False

3. What long-term exposure can increase the risk for COPD?

 A. Airborne chemicals

B. Pollutants

C. Lung irritants such as cigarette smoke

D. All of the above

4. Light exercise such as walking is dangerous for people with COPD.

A. True

B. False

1. E. All of the above. Symptoms of COPD may develop so slowly that patients are unaware they have the disease.

2. A. True. A spirometry involves blowing into a small machine that tests lung capacity, and the results can be checked immediately.

3. D. All of the above. It’s important not only to quit smoking but also to not let anyone smoke around you.

4. B. False. Pulmonary rehabilitation can teach patients to breathe in a different way so that they can stay active.

Source: Krames Health Library