about copd

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is estimated to affect 12 to 15 million people in North America. COPD is used to describe reoccurring bronchitis, emphysema or a combination of the two.

While COPD cannot be cured, it can be treated. Several new drugs and devices on the market have helped make the lives of patients with COPD much better.

Causes of COPD:

• Cigarette smoking
• Air pollution, occupational exposure to gases and dusts.
• Deficiency in alpha-1 antitrypsin (a lung protecting enzyme).

Signs and Symptoms:

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Morning cough or a severe and persistent cough
• Mucus production
• Emphysema and/or chronic bronchitis

Important Numbers and Websites: