COPD is the nation’s fourth leading cause of death, claiming the lives of more than 120,000 Americans each year.. It is the second leading cause of disability and in2004, 11.4 million U.S. adults (aged 18 and over) were estimated to have COPD. Additionally, close to 24 million U.S. adults have evidence of impaired lung function, indicating an under diagnosis of COPD. And unlike many diseases yielding to advances in medicine, COPD death rates are not declining --- they are increasing.
What is COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a term referring to two lung diseases, chronic bronchitis and emphysema, that is characterized by declining lung function caused by persistant obstruction to airflow.. These conditions frequently co-exist, hence physicians prefer the term COPD. It does not include other obstructive diseases such as asthma.
Facts About COPD
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Fact Sheet
COPD in Florida
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Survey (February 2001)
The COPD Lung Profiler™
COPD Profiler Fact Sheet
Living with COPD
COPD Center--The American Lung Association has all the resources you need to live with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Helpful hints on bathing, cleaning, traveling and shopping with COPD are available at our COPD Center. Visit the Center now for all things COPD-related.
Building Better Breathing Together-- To provide support to those affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the American Lung Association and ALTANA Pharma US have created this free, online informational booklet containing inspirational stories, motivational tips and helpful advice from COPD patients and caregivers.
Related Internet Resources:
These sites are not part of The American Lung Association Web site, and we have no control over their content or availability.
Oxygen Therapy by DiscoveryCampus
Expert Answers from Mayo Clinic Specialists
Alpha1 National Association
AlphaNet
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