COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is an umbrella term for lung diseases such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It is the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States.
The most common cause of COPD is long-term smoking. Unfortunately, many current and former smokers do not notice or acknowledge their symptoms for years. They may notice that they get short of breath after climbing a flight of stairs, but they write it off to aging and take the elevator. By the time they see a physician, their lungs have already suffered irreversible damage. That's why detecting COPD early is vital.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease fact sheet (on the American Lung Association national Web site.)
COPD Around the Clock Nonmedical hints and suggestions to ease living with COPD.
COPD Lung Health Profiler
Need help with treatment decisions? Use this interactive decision support tool brought to you by the American Lung Association and NexCura, Inc.
Do you have questions about lung health? Speak to a registered nurse or respiratory therapist. Call 1-800-LUNG-USA.
