Having difficulty breathing; you might have COPD

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - If you or someone in your family feels constantly out of breath or is always coughing, you could be at risk for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Holyoke Medical Center hosted a lung presentation Thursday night, for patients or relatives who suffer from conditions like chronic bronchitis or emphysema.

COPD is the 3rd leading cause of death in the country, and it takes quite a toll on patients' quality of life.

According to Dr. M. Saleem Bajwa, “People with COPD have a hard time walking or doing any physical work; makes them very short of breath. There's a frequent cough in many patients which causes a lot of discomfort.”

Dr. Bajwa said patients who go untreated can do permanent lung damage. He spoke Thursday night about pulmonary rehab, which can lessen the burdens of COPD and restore some independence.