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| Index of Diseases and Conditions: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) makes it hard for you to breathe. Coughing up mucus is often the first sign of COPD. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are common COPDs.
Your airways branch out inside your lungs like an upside-down tree. At the end of each branch are small, balloon-like air sacs. In healthy people, both the airways and air sacs are springy and elastic. When you breathe in, each air sac fills with air like a small balloon. The balloon deflates when you exhale. In COPD, your airways and air sacs lose their shape and become floppy, like a stretched-out rubber band.
Cigarette smoking is the most common cause of COPD. Breathing in other kinds of irritants, like pollution, dust or chemicals, may also cause or contribute to COPD. Quitting smoking is the best way to avoid developing COPD.
Treatment can make you more comfortable, but there is no cure.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Living With COPD - This site is written by and for patients of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
COPD-Alert - A not for profit, support and activist organization for patients, caregivers, and medical professionals striving to bring more funding for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease research.
Recent Developments in the Management of COPD - Complete review of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the most recent abstracts on relieving the severity of its symptoms.
COPD - Support groups, forums, medications, news, and research information about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
COPD Takes its Toll - UK site about the incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. An extensive look at this disease.
MedicineNet - COPD - Information about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from MedicineNet.com
eMedicine Health - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - Consumer health resource center providing information on the causes, symptoms, and treatment of COPD.
Clinical Trials for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - Explains the importance of participating in COPD clinical trials and how even participants who take placebos contribute and benefit from volunteering.
COPD Conferences - International Multidisciplinary Meeting on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Find the annual dates, locations, program, and register online.
Gold Coast Pulmonary and Sleep Associates LLC - A medical practice specializing in pulmonary and sleep medicine. Common medical disorders dealt with include Sleep Apnea with CPAP as treatment and respiratory disorders related to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).