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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease in which the lungs are damaged, making it hard to breathe. The quality of life for a person suffering from COPD diminishes as the disease progresses. At the onset, there is minimal shortness of breath. People with COPD may eventually require supplemental oxygen and may have to rely on mechanical respiratory assistance. COPD includes:

• Emphysema — Usually caused by smoking, having emphysema means some of the air sacs in your lungs are damaged, making it hard to breathe.

• Chronic bronchitis — The cells lining the inside of the bronchi are continuously red and swollen when you have chronic bronchitis. The airways in your lungs have become narrow and partly clogged with mucus that cannot be cleared.

Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are strongly associated with lung cancer. If you smoke, you are 12 times as likely to die of COPD as are men who have never smoked. Some preventive measures you can take:

• Don't smoke.
• Avoid secondhand smoke.
• Minimize exposure to workplace chemicals (lead and organic solvents).

Additional Information on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):

Publications

1.   COPD: Learn More Breathe Better - The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has developed a national campaign—Learn More Breathe Better —to increase awareness and understanding of COPD and its risk factors and to underscore the benefits of early detection and treatment in slowing the disease and improving the quality of life.

   http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/lung/copd/index.htm

2.   FastStats: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) - This publication provides statistical information on illness and death caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It also provides a summary of health care use by patients with COPD.

   http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/copd.htm

3.   What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)? - This publication provides in-depth information on how the lungs work, how chronic bronchitis, emphysema, pneumonia and COPD can affect lung health. It also provides information on treatment and research information.

   http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Copd/Copd_WhatIs.html

4. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) (Copyright © National Jewish Medical Research Center) - This web site will help you learn the basics of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and provide you with information about the strategies used to treat and cope with COPD.

   http://www.nationaljewish.org/disease-info/diseases/copd/index.aspx

5. Nutritional Guidelines for People With COPD (Copyright © Cleveland Clinic Foundation) - This article provides basic information to help patients with COPD make healthy food choices. Changing your eating habits will not cure COPD, but it can help you feel better.

   http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/2400/2411.asp?index=9451

Organizations

1.   National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Information Center, NHLBI, NIH, HHS
2.   National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, HHS
3. American Lung Association

= Indicates Federal Resources

Current as of June 2007