Your Opinion, Your Care: Results of a Patient-Driven Survey

People living with COPD shared what affects their day to day, and what support and information they still need.

For many people, breathing is something they rarely think about. With severe COPD/emphysema, breathing can become the center of everyday life: Shaping new routines, limiting activity, and affecting confidence in the body. That’s why we asked you what matters most and what information you might be still missing.

Breathlessness stands out - even at rest

The results paint a clear picture: Breathlessness is not only common, it is a physical burden. And when breathlessness persists, it often comes with exhaustion, anxiety, and a sense of being cut off from normal life.

“This is how people with COPD experience their condition”

You are not alone! 

Become a part of our support group

This matters because it suggests that for many of you, COPD symptoms are not simply “exercise related.” On the contrary, they often accompany those affected in every everyday situation.

Treatment today and a knowledge gap

Most respondents manage their COPD with well-established approaches: Almost 90% report relying on medication, and 64% on rehabilitation. At the same time, only 6% report having undergone lung volume reduction (e.g., valves) as an additional option. 

Yet you showed a clear appetite for more guidance: 

65% want more information about new therapies

54% would like tips for rehab and lung exercise, 

and 47% want to learn more about valve therapy.

What you can do next

Step 1: Understand your symptoms
Step 2: Optimize medication and rehab
Step 3: Ask your treating physician about further options or get a referral for a specialist evaluation
Step 4: Find a treatment center and prepare questions

COPD care is individual, and suitability for any treatment can only be determined by a qualified physician through comprehensive medical evaluation. For selected people with severe COPD/emphysema who meet specific medical criteria, endoscopic lung volume reduction with Zephyr^® Valves may be a possible treatment option.

Learn More about possible treatment options

Survey details: Germany survey (Nov-Dec 2024) via Pulmonx email; voluntary anonymous COPD patient responses (n=361), self‑reported, not medically verified.

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