What Is COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes two lung conditions—c...
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes two lung conditions—chronic bronchitis and emphysema. More than 12 million people in the United States have COPD, but millions more have COPD without knowing it.
![copd-breathe-easier](https://cdn-img.health.com/sites/default/files/styles/medium_2x/public/styles/main/public/gettyimages-ca30700.jpg?itok=aHV1zFwp "If you have trouble breathing, daily activities—even eating a meal—can be a challenge.
Healthy eating is particularly important if you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a common lung condition that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. About 24 million people in the U.S. have COPD.
People with COPD often lose weight and become malnourished because "they burn a lot of calories," says Norman H. Edelman, MD, the chief medical officer for the American Lung Association. "[COPD] is a hypermetabolic state."
Follow these 15 healthy eating tips for people with COPD.")
![breath-easy-copd](https://cdn-img.health.com/sites/default/files/styles/medium_2x/public/styles/main/public/gettyimages-97970180.jpg?itok=UIJ6zmpl "Pollution is hazardous for your heart and can wreak havoc if you have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
"COPD stands for two processes that almost always occur together: chronic bronchitis, which is inflammation of the airways, and emphysema, which is destruction of the fine substance of the lung," says Norman Edelman, MD, chief medical officer of the American Lung Association.
But the air inside your home matters too. Take these simple steps to keep irritants out of your airways, which can help stop trouble before it gets started.")
![copd-weight-gain](https://cdn-img.health.com/sites/default/files/styles/medium_2x/public/styles/main/public/gettyimages-185231996.jpg?itok=_zGPeJYe "Although weight loss sounds like a good thing, it's not—if you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This lung condition, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, can cause severe weight and muscle loss. About one in four people with COPD are too thin.
"In the end stages of COPD, preventing weight loss is a major issue," says Christine Gerbstadt, MD, RD. "The work of breathing takes so many calories."
In general, eating more protein and getting more calories—while still keeping an eye on nutrition—is a good way to combat weight loss. Try these tips to help keep the weight on.")
