Early intervention key to preventing and managing COPD (Family Features) Only a few years ago, about one third of the population had not heard of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), despite its status as one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Now, nearly a decade later, awareness of COPD is on the rise. Because one key to managing COPD is early intervention, the more people are familiar with the symptoms, the greater the chances for earlier diagnosis and starting a treatment plan to help improve quality of life.