Take a deep breath. Now ask yourself: When was the last time you thought about breathing? For people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), breathing is often front of mind because it can be difficult, and it gets worse over time.

There is no cure yet for COPD, but experts from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) recommend these strategies to protect your lung health at every age.

Younger Adults: Prevention is Key

COPD is less common in younger adults, but it’s never too early to protect your lungs. The most important way to prevent COPD is to not smoke. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 75 percent of people with COPD have a history of smoking. Smoking isn’t the only risk factor for COPD. Exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes or dust from the environment or workplace can also increase your risk. If you breathe in lung irritants at work, talk to your employer about how to limit exposure.

People with a genetic condition called AAT (Alpha-1 Antitrypsin) deficiency, sometimes known as Alpha-1, may have COPD-like symptoms as early as age twenty. If you have symptoms or a family history of COPD, talk to your health care provider about being tested for AAT deficiency.

“It’s a simple, quick and highly accurate test that could improve the lives of some people with COPD,” said Dr. Mihaela Stefan of the NHLBI.

Middle-Aged Adults: Know the Symptoms and Seek Help

Most people are forty or older when COPD symptoms start. Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and fatigue. These are not just signs of getting older, and they’re not the same as seasonal allergies.

If you have symptoms, ask your health care provider if you should be tested for COPD. Discuss your smoking habits, family history of COPD, and long-term exposure to lung irritants. Your health care provider may recommend lung function tests or imaging to diagnose COPD.

If you smoke, get help to quit. You don’t have to go it alone. Family, friends, your healthcare provider, and support groups can all lend a hand.

Older Adults: Take Steps to Manage COPD

Older adults are at greater risk of COPD. If you’ve been diagnosed, follow your treatment plan and take medicines as prescribed.

Lifestyle changes can help people with COPD breathe better. Talk to your health care provider about pulmonary rehabilitation, a personalized treatment program that teaches COPD management strategies. Ask about an eating plan that will meet your nutritional needs and what types of physical activity you can safely do. Stay up to date with vaccinations against flu and pneumonia.

If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do to slow the progression of COPD and is an important part of COPD treatment plans. Ask your provider about options for quitting.

At any age, taking care of your lungs is crucial. Learn about COPD from Learn More Breathe Better® at copd.nhlbi.nih.gov