COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is a chronic lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. The disease is increasingly common, affecting millions of Americans, and is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. The good news is COPD is often preventable and treatable. Here you'll find information, resources and tools to help you understand COPD, manage treatment and lifestyle changes, find support and take action.
The American Lung Association is committed to supporting those affected by COPD. We offer a variety of resources and information about the disease. Check out some of our key COPD support and education resources featured below. Or scroll down to explore our entire COPD section.
Learn about COPD
What is COPD and is it serious? See what it means to have this disease.
Learn moreCOPD Symptoms, Causes and Risk Factors
Learn what causes COPD, how to identify its signs and symptoms, and how to reduce your risk.
Learn moreDiagnosing and Treating COPD
Find out what to expect from your doctor and how COPD is treated.
Learn moreLiving with COPD
It is inevitable that your life will change after being diagnosed with COPD. The good news is that you can find support to help you make lifestyle changes, better manage your COPD and enhance your quality of life.
Learn moreHelp Us Fight COPD
Please join us in fighting for much needed funding for COPD research, public policies and community programs that can help prevent COPD and make living with COPD easier.
Learn moreCOPD Research
COPD research helps us understand how the disease is caused, how it develops and how it is best treated. See some of the current topics American Lung Association funded researchers are investigating.
Learn more