(HealthDay News) -- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) describes a number of conditions that obstruct airflow in and out of the lungs. Examples include acute bronchitis, emphysema and asthmatic bronchitis.

The National Lung Health Education Program offers these suggestions to help reduce symptoms of COPD:

• Stop smoking -- it's the most important thing you can do to help your symptoms.
• Stay away from smokers and secondhand smoke.
• During days when outdoor air quality is bad, stay indoors. If you have to go outside, cover your nose and mouth with a mask.
• Visit your doctor regularly, particularly when you have a cold or productive cough.
• Protect yourself with flu and pneumonia vaccines, as often as your doctor recommends.

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