How air quality affects EPO

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease that narrows the airways and makes breathing difficult.

Pollutants and irritants in indoor and outdoor air can worsen symptoms.

The air outside

Air pollution can trigger COPD symptoms, especially on days with high levels of air pollution or extreme weather.

They can cause the airways to narrow and make it difficult to breathe.

They can become inflamed and damage the airways, making deep breathing more difficult and painful.

It contains significant amounts of fine particles that irritate and inflame the respiratory tract.

Certain particles can cause coughing, difficulty breathing and outbreaks.

They can irritate and inflame the lungs.

Indoor air

The air in your home can contain hidden irritants that make breathing worse over time.

It contains particulate matter, gases and toxins that worsen lung function and trigger COPD flare-ups.

They can increase inflammation, causing coughing and wheezing, and affecting lung function.

They can increase inflammation and cause airways to narrow, worsening COPD symptoms.

They may contain chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be irritating to people with COPD.

Steps that can be taken

Do not burn materials indoors.
Improve ventilation by opening windows and doors, especially when cooking.
Avoid walking or cycling near busy streets, highways, industrial facilities or buildings. Wear a mask if you must be in these areas.
Check the air quality index (AQI) before leaving home and reduce the time you spend outdoors when air pollution levels are high.
Close doors and windows on days with poor air quality.
Invest in filters for air conditioners and heaters, as well as high-efficiency filters useful for reducing indoor pollutants.
Place rugs in entryways and remove your shoes to reduce dust in your home.
Try to keep indoor humidity between 30 and 50%.
Don’t let your home get too hot or too cold.

This educational resource was created with support from Chiesi.