Health Information
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
A chronic lung disease, that is a combination of emphysema and chronic bronchitis in which breathing becomes slowed or forced. Long-term smoking is the most frequent cause of COPD. It accounts for 80 to 90 percent of all cases. Other risk factors include:
- Heredity
- Second-hand smoke
- Exposure to air pollution at work and in the environment
- A history of childhood respiratory infections
Additional information about the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of COPD is available on the websites listed below.
Websites
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website provides facts about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
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U. S. COPD Coalition
The U.S. COPD Coalition website provides information about national activities to increase
awareness of COPD and to improve the lives of people with COPD. The U.S. COPD Coalition is part
of a worldwide effort called the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease.
This organization is comprised of medical professionals, healthcare associations, patient groups,
and government organizations working together to promote the early diagnosis, treatment and
prevention of COPD.
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American Lung Association
The American Lung Association (ALA) is the oldest voluntary health organization in the United
States. ALA fights lung disease in all its forms, with special emphasis on asthma, tobacco
control and environmental health. This website provides information about COPD as well as the
interactive tool, The COPD Lung Profiler to help COPD patients with treatment decisions.
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