Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (also called COPD) is an incurable lung disease in which the lungs are damaged, making it hard to breathe. In COPD the airways - the tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs - are partly obstructed, making it difficult to get air in and out. COPD describes two lung diseases that are usually present together: chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Symptoms of COPD can include:

• Frequent or chronic cough
• Increased mucus production
• Frequent clearing of the throat
• Shortness of breath
• Limited exercise tolerance

COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in America, with 123,884 deaths in 2004. (National Vital Statistics Reports, Vol. 54, No. 19, June 28, 2006) The symptoms of COPD come on slowly over time. The risk factors for COPD can include childhood lung illness, heredity and breathing in lung irritants such as air pollution, dust, chemicals and cigarette smoke, whether first hand or second hand. However, cigarette smoking is the main cause of COPD, causing 80-90 percent of deaths from COPD. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Smoking. A Report of the Surgeon General, 2004.)

© Copyright 2008 Needham and Company; all rights reserved.