Don’t Fall for These COPD Myths: Here’s the Truth
As a respiratory therapist, I encounter many COPD myths. These misconceptions can mislead patients and even delay proper treatment. Let's tackle some of the most persistent ones. Maybe even a few you haven't heard before.
COPD myths debunked
Myth
Smoking is the only thing that causes COPD.
Fact
Smoking is a major cause of COPD, but it's not the ONLY one. Daily exposure to fumes, dust, and chemicals at your work can also contribute. Cooking in poorly ventilated spaces with wood or coal stoves, which is common in some developing countries, is another risk. Even a gene called alpha-1 antitrypsin can play a role.1
Myth
People with COPD shouldn't exercise.
Fact
This couldn't be further from the truth. Regular exercise is VERY important for people with COPD. It strengthens respiratory muscles, improves heart function, boosts endurance, and enhances overall quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation can be a great way to learn to exercise safely and effectively.2,3
Myth
COPD only affects the lungs.
Fact
COPD is much more than a lung disease. COPD is caused by chemicals that attack things you inhale into your lungs.
These chemicals cause inflammation in your lungs and airways. This inflammation can become systemic, leading to things like heart disease, muscle weakness, anxiety, and even depression. So, managing COPD may also mean managing these other conditions to help you live your best.1
Myth
Oxygen therapy is addictive.
Fact
Some people with COPD may need more oxygen than they can get from the air. Some need it just at night and some just with exertion, while others may need it 24-7.4
This extra oxygen keeps your oxygen levels safe and keeps your body functioning normally. Think of it as a tool to improve your health, not as a crutch you will get hooked on.
Myth
Every person with COPD will eventually need supplemental oxygen.
Fact
The truth is that some people with COPD, even with severe COPD, do not need supplemental oxygen. This is a testament to how every person with this disease may experience it in unique ways.4
Myth
Quitting smoking won't help if you already have COPD.4
Fact
It is always worth quitting. Stopping smoking slows disease progression, reduces inflammation, and improves symptoms, even in advanced stages. If you're still smoking, quitting is the best gift you can give your lungs.4
Myth
COPD is contagious.
Fact
COPD is not an infectious disease. It's not caused by a bacteria or virus. It doesn't spread like the flu, COVID-19, or tuberculosis. While COPD can cause a chronic cough, this is due to changes in the lungs, not an infection.
Myth
You can always tell when your oxygen levels are low.
Fact
You can have low oxygen levels and not even know it. I've seen people with dangerously low oxygen levels who didn't feel short of breath at all. That's why pulse oximeters are important. They help monitor oxygen levels, especially during flare-ups or illness.
Myth
Needing oxygen therapy means you're in the end stage of COPD.
Fact
The truth is that some people in the early stages of COPD may need oxygen, while others in more severe stages might not. So, needing supplemental oxygen isn't an indicator of your disease stage.3
Myth
Vaping is a safe alternative for people with COPD.
Fact
Vaping involves inhaling various chemicals, many of which you might not even know about. These chemicals can harm your lungs, irritate your airways, and worsen COPD symptoms.5
Myth
If you are short of breath, that means your oxygen levels are low.
Fact
As I wrote above, you can feel normal despite low oxygen levels. Similarly, you can also feel short of breath yet still have normal oxygen levels. I know this sounds weird, but it's true – I see it quite often in the hospital setting. There are various reasons for this, which you can read about here and here.
What do you think? Have you heard any of these myths? Did they affect how your COPD was managed? Please let us know in the comments below.
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