COPD and Your Lungs
Healthy air sacs in the lungs are elastic-like balloons. They stretch when filled with air, then return to their original shape when the air is released. This helps to retain the normal structure of the lungs and move air in and out quickly.
With COPD, these air sacs lose their elasticity, no longer returning to their original shape. Airways—the tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs—become swollen. An increase in mucus production can narrow airways, and hinder the movement of cilia, small hair-like structures that help expel dirt and other irritants from the airway. Swollen airways are partially blocked, making it even harder to get air out of the lungs.
COPD is a progressive disease, which means your symptoms may get worse over time.
There is no cure for COPD, but fortunately, there are COPD maintenance medications that combine two medicines to help reduce COPD symptoms. SYMBICORT has been shown to help significantly improve lung function, starting within 5 minutes.* Remember, SYMBICORT will not replace a rescue inhaler for sudden COPD symptoms.
*Your results may vary.
