COPD is often accompanied by heart issues, and sometimes it's hard to tell if your being sob is because of your heart or your COPD. So it's wise to have any potential heart issues checked out. Diabetes often accompanied COPD because so many of us are heavy and develop Type 2 diabetes later in life. A good weight loss and exercise program will help get both chronic conditions under control. Depression and anxiety are very common, so it's a good idea to find a good therapist and work through those issues. A good therapist will have access to a psychiatrist who can prescribe and monitor any necessary medication. None of these are caused by COPD; they often accompany COPD The only thing I'm aware of that can be linked to COPD is right heart failure or pulmonary hypertension, which is caused by chronically low O2 sats. Just FYI, people with COPD often have seven or more co-morbidities.

annegmar, just FYI, COPD is an umbrella term that includes both emphysema and chronic bronchitis; it's not the beginning of anything. If you have COPD, chances are good that you have both chronic bronchitis and emphysema; you definitely have one if not both. You're absolutely right that not smoking and exercising daily are the two most important things you can do for yourself.

copd is the starting of emphysems which is progressive disease you must take good care of yourself which will slow the progression , sam oking would be the first and most important step if you havent already do so those who have congrats. exercise and eat right dont just sit around making the lungs work is what keeps them going but dont over do or you,ll pay the next day hope this helps hugs anne

@A MyCOPDTeam Member, co-morbidities are simultaneous chronic illnesses. Above, Jean is stating that it is not uncommon for people with COPD to have multiple chronic illnesses going on at the same time.

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I have stage 3 copd,asthma,and severe dyspnea,but i dont have emphysema.. Jean is correct,copd is not the beginning of anything..you can have copd and emphysema,at the same time,they are both diagnosed seperatly.