(StatePoint)

More than 11 million people in the United States are living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including more than 3 million people with emphysema, a type of COPD. This chronic lung disease limits air flow and causes breathing-related symptoms. While there is no cure, an innovative treatment option is helping some patients with severe COPD or emphysema breathe easier.

Endobronchial Valve Therapy (EBV) is a minimally invasive treatment option that aims to improve lung function, activity level and your quality of life.

“I noticed the first day after receiving EBV that I was able to take a very deep breath. Before my treatment, my breathing was very shallow,” says Karrie E., who is now able to walk longer distances before taking rests, as well as go to the grocery store to do her own shopping.

Carolyn P., who also received EBV therapy after living with COPD for years agrees, “I had the valves put in and it changed the quality of my life. I can walk without feeling like my chest is going to burst.” Carolyn is now a regular walker at the malls in her hometown.

So, what are EBVs? According to the American Lung Association, which has partnered with Zephyr by Pulmonx to create awareness for managing advanced COPD with EBV, these one-way valves reduce lung hyperinflation by allowing trapped air to escape. As a result, lung function may improve when healthier areas of the lung provide the necessary oxygen exchange. They may help with feeling less short of breath and being more active. This safe, effective treatment option for eligible patients is backed by research-based evidence, and currently, there are two FDA-approved types of valves.

If you have been diagnosed with advanced COPD or emphysema and do not smoke or are willing to quit, EBV treatment might be the right option for you. This relatively quick, non-surgical procedure takes place in a hospital, and has a short recovery time, generally requiring about a three-day hospital stay.

Those who have found success with the procedure—less shortness of breath and a greater quality of life—encourage others not to delay treatment: “If it’s right for you, don’t wait to have it done,” says Bryan C.

The American Lung Association encourages you to speak with your healthcare provider about this treatment option. You can learn more and take an online questionnaire to determine if you qualify for this procedure by visiting Lung.org/ebv.

If you are one of the millions of Americans living with COPD, you can breathe easier knowing that advances in treatments are helping people with your condition live a better quality of life.