LOUISVILLE, Ky. — November is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the disease affects over 6% of Americans and there is currently no cure for the COPD. 

What You Need To Know

  • November is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease awareness month

  • Over 15 million Americans who have been diagnosed with the disease

  • Thompson comes to Norton’s Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center three times a week

  • Anyone can develop COPD, and most common early warning symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing or chest tightness, and fatigue

COPD refers to a group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems. Its most common cause is smoking, however, air pollution, genetics and respiratory infections are all factors.

Linda Thompson has COPD and has done her best to adjust to living with the disease.

“It was real hard when I first started, I couldn’t hardly do any inclines or anything,” Thompson said as she works out at Norton Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center. 

“It feels like a shortness in your chest. You almost go into an anxiety mode where you can’t hardly breathe. And so you have to settle yourself down, and say ‘breathe’ or you end up in the hospital,” said Thompson.

Thompson has battled COPD for several years. She is one of over 15 million Americans who have been diagnosed with the disease.

“Breathing in general is something that we take for granted every single day. I don’t think about my breathing, most people don’t, but unfortunately people with COPD are always thinking about their breathing. In fact, they plan their day on how they think their breathing could handle. Most times they feel tired, they feel rundown because their lungs have to work in overtime to breathe for them,” said Norton Pulmonary Specialist Dr. Samantha Baah. 

To help her lungs, Thompson comes to Norton’s Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center three times a week. She lifts weights, rides on a bike and walks on the treadmill.

Now, thanks to her rehab training, she doesn’t have to carry oxygen with her. 

“Now that I’m not wearing oxygen we can go and travel, matter of fact we are going to go to Walt Disney World this week and I have not been able to do that in years, so I’m going with my grandson,” said Thompson. 

Thompson says she isn’t going to let COPD stop her from living her best life.

Anyone can develop COPD, and most common early warning symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing or chest tightness, and fatigue.

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