Q: I was diagnosed with COPD last year after struggling with multiple symptoms. I quit smoking over 10 years ago, but I’m dealing with the effects of it now. How can I best manage the symptoms and live as fully as possible with this condition?

A: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a leading cause of disability and death in the U.S., according to the American Lung Association. More than 12.5 million people in the U.S. have a diagnosis of COPD, but millions more may have the disease without knowing it.

COPD is a chronic inflammatory lung disease most often caused by long-term smoking, especially cigarettes. Another cause is breathing in toxic fumes or gases. In rare cases, the cause is genetic.

People with COPD are at increased risk of developing respiratory infections, heart disease, lung cancer, pulmonary hypertension, depression and complications from COVID-19.

Symptoms of COPD often don’t appear until significant lung damage has occurred, and they usually worsen over time, particularly if cigarette smoke exposure continues.

Signs and symptoms of COPD can include:

Chest tightness

Chronic cough that may produce clear, white, yellow or green mucus

Frequent respiratory infections

Lack of energy

Unintended weight loss

Shortness of breath

Swelling in the ankles, feet or legs

Wheezing

Most cases of COPD in the U.S. are directly related to long-term cigarette smoking. Stopping smoking can prevent COPD from worsening.

Many people with COPD have mild forms of the disease and need little treatment other than quitting smoking. With advanced stages of the disease, effective treatment can control symptoms, slow progression, reduce your risk of complications and exacerbations, and improve your ability to lead an active life.

Treatment can include medications, such as inhalers; oxygen; pulmonary rehabilitation; in-home noninvasive ventilation therapy; managing flare-ups, also called exacerbations; endobronchial valves; and surgery.

Living with COPD can be a challenge, especially as it becomes harder to catch your breath. You may have to give up some activities you previously enjoyed.

These strategies can help people with COPD feel better.

Avoid smoke and air pollution: Besides quitting smoking, avoiding places where others smoke is essential.

Clear your airways: With COPD, mucus tends to collect in air passages and can be difficult to clear. Controlled coughing, drinking adequate amounts of water and using a humidifier may help.

Eat healthy foods: A healthy diet can help you maintain your strength. If you’re underweight, your health care professional may recommend nutritional supplements. If you’re overweight, losing weight can significantly help your breathing, especially during exertion.

Exercise regularly: Exercising when you have trouble breathing may seem challenging, but regular exercise can improve your overall strength and endurance. It also strengthens your respiratory muscles.

Learn breathing techniques: Breathing positions, energy conservation and relaxation techniques can help when you’re short of breath.

See your health care team regularly: Stick to your appointment schedule, even if you’re feeling fine. It’s essential to regularly monitor your lung function. Be sure to get your annual flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine.

You also may want to consider joining a support group for people with COPD. — Mais Abdou, M.D., Pulmonology, Mayo Clinic Health System, La Crosse, Wisconsin

Mayo Clinic Q&A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace medical care. Email a question to MayoClinicQ&A@mayo.edu.