COPD:Start Here

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes two lung conditions—chronic bronchitis and emphysema. More than 12 million people in the United States have COPD (and COPD is the fourth leading cause of death), but another 12 million have COPD without knowing it. COPD symptoms are sometimes dismissed as a 'smoker's cough.' (About 50% to 90% of COPD cases are thought to be due to smoking.) The more you know about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of COPD, the better your chances of preventing COPD. Read more.