Tiny hairs called cilia (SIL-ee-uh) protect the nasal passageways and other parts of the respiratory tract, filtering out dust and other particles that enter the nose through the breathed air.

Hairlike structures called cilia line the mucous membrane and move the particles trapped in the mucus out of the nose. Inhaled air is moistened, warmed, and cleansed by the tissue that lines the nasal cavity.

Pharynx — is the muscle-lined space that connects the nose and mouth to the larynx and esophagus (eating tube).

Wherever it’s produced, mucus is a mix of water and proteins, and most of it gets pushed to the back of your throat by microscopic hairs called cilia.

Although we can’t see it, the air we breathe is made up of several gases. Oxygen is the most important for keeping us alive because body cells need it for energy and growth. Without oxygen, the body’s cells would die.

In general, you need at least one lung to live. There is one case of a patient who had both lungs removed and was kept alive for 6 days on life support machines until a lung transplant was performed. This is not a routine procedure and one cannot live long without both lungs.

Though having both lungs is ideal, it is possible to live and function without one lung. Having one lung will still allow a person to live a relatively normal life. Having one lung might limit a person’s physical abilities, however, such as their ability to exercise.

Mild COPD or Stage 1—Mild COPD with a FEV1 about 80 percent or more of normal. Moderate COPD or Stage 2—Moderate COPD with a FEV1 between 50 and 80 percent of normal. Severe COPD or Stage 3—Severe emphysema with a FEV1 between 30 and 50 percent of normal.

Temperature and weather can cause COPD symptoms to worsen. Cold, dry air or hot air can trigger a flare-up. According to a study, temperature extremes, below freezing and above 90°F (32°C), are particularly dangerous.

How Serious Is COPD? COPD is the third leading cause of death by disease in the United States. More than 16.4 million people have been diagnosed with COPD, but millions more may have the disease without even knowing it. COPD causes serious long-term disability and early death.

The American Lung Association reports that COPD is the third leading cause of death in the United States, but as a chronic, progressive disease, most patients will live with the disease for many years. The disease is not curable, yet it is possible to achieve some level of normalcy despite its challenges.

Tips to slow the progression of your COPD

1. Stop smoking.
2. Keep active with exercise.
3. Attend pulmonary rehabilitation.
4. Lungs in Action.
5. Get your vaccinations.
6. Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
7. Take your medicine as instructed.

It often starts with a nagging cough. It could be dry, or you might have mucus that’s clear, white, yellow, or green. You may also find that you’re short of breath sometimes, especially if you push yourself. At this stage, the symptoms may not seem like such a big deal.