COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a term referring to two lung diseases, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. These are characterized by the obstruction of airflow that interferes with normal breathing. Since these conditions frequently co-exist, physicians prefer the term COPD. COPD does not include other obstructive diseases such as asthma.
COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in America, claiming the lives of more than 120,000 Americans each year. The number of women dying from the disease has surpassed the number of men dying from the disease.
Smoking is the primary risk factor for COPD. Approximately 80 to 90 percent of COPD deaths are caused by smoking. Female smokers are nearly 13 times more likely to die from COPD as women who have never smoked. Male smokers are nearly 12 times more likely to die from COPD as men who have never smoked.
Other risk factors of COPD include air pollution, second-hand smoke, history of childhood respiratory infections and heredity. Occupational exposure to certain industrial pollutants also increases the odds for COPD. A recent study found that the fraction of COPD attributed to work was estimated as 19.2 percent overall and 31.1 percent among never smokers.
There is no cure for COPD.
COPD Resources for Patients
COPD Action Plan and Checklist
Living with COPD: Managing Diet, Fitness and Moods
My Symptoms Journal
Spirometry: Measure for Patient/Mamber
Understanding and Managing Your COPD
Understanding How Your Lungs Work and How COPD Affects Your Body
Freedom From Smoking
COPD Resources for Health Professionals
Antibiotics for Acute Exacerbation Management
Case Manager’s Checklist
Differential COPD Diagnosis
GOLD At-A-Glance
GOLD Pocket Guidelines
ICD-9/ICD-10 COPD and Other Respiratory Diseases
Inpatient Management of Acute Exacerbations
Spirometry: The Standard for Diagnosing COPD Care
Use of Medications in Stable COPD
COPD Resources for Patients (Spanish Version)
COPD Action Plan and Checklist
Living with COPD: Managing Diet, Fitness and Moods
My Symptoms Journal
Spirometry: Measure for Patient/Mamber
Understanding and Managing Your COPD
Understanding How Your Lungs Work and How COPD Affects Your Body
COPD Resources for Health Professionals (Spanish Version)
Antibiotics for Acute Exacerbation Management
Case Manager’s Checklist
Differential COPD Diagnosis
Inpatient Management of Acute Exacerbations
Spirometry: The Standard for Diagnosing COPD Care
Use of Medications in Stable COPD
One-Page Resources for Providers & Patients
Using Coughing and Breathing Exercises to Help You Breathe
Understanding COPD
COPD and Other Conditions
COPD and Asthma
Reducing the Risk of a COPD Flare-Up
What About Times When I Can’t Avoid Risks
Know Your Medicines
Healthy Lungs
Getting Help When You Need it Quickly
I Have COPD: What If I Get Sick?
Living With COPD
COPD and a Healthy Diet
COPD: When Symptoms Flare Up
COPD and a Healthy Weight
Pulmonary Rehabilitation for COPD
Managing Your Moods
Staying Positive with COPD
Eating Healthy for COPD
Staying Fit with COPD
Take Control of Your COPD
Talking About COPD
Talking to Your Doctor About COPD
Living Well When You Have COPD
Take It Easy
Monthly Symptom Record
Understanding and Living with COPD
Irritated by COPD Flare-Ups?
Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysems: How Are They Different?
