Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Getting Started

COPD Quiz

Emphysema Quiz

Calculating Your Health

There isn't much good that can be said about smoking. Now, on a positive note, do you know how much money you can save if you quit smoking today?

What is COPD? See All

Anatomy of the Respiratory System in What is COPD?

A detailed look at the respiratory system and how it works....more

Chronic Bronchitis in What is COPD?

Chronic bronchitis is long-term inflammation of the breathing tubes (bronchi). It is common among smokers. People with chronic bronchitis tend to get lung infections more easily. They also have episodes of acute bronchitis, when symptoms are worse. ...more

Pulmonary Emphysema in What is COPD?

Emphysema is a chronic lung condition in which the air sacs (alveoli) may be destroyed, narrowed, collapsed, stretched, or overinflated. Pulmonary emphysema is part of a group of lung diseases called COPD. Here's what you need to know. ...more

Pulmonary Tests & Procedures See All

Pulse Oximetry in Pulmonary Tests & Procedures

Pulse oximetry is a test used to measure the oxygen level (oxygen saturation) of the blood. It is an easy, painless measure of how well oxygen is being sent to parts of your body furthest from your heart, such as the arms and legs. ...more

Pulmonary Function Tests in Pulmonary Tests & Procedures

Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are noninvasive tests that show how well the lungs are working. Read on to learn what to expect before, during, and after these tests. ...more

Peak Flow Measurement in Pulmonary Tests & Procedures

Detailed information about peak flow measurement, a quick test to measure air flowing out of the lungs. ...more

Bronchodilator Reversibility Testing in Pulmonary Tests & Procedures

This test is used to find out how well your lungs are working. Read on to learn what to expect. ...more

Chest X-Ray in Pulmonary Tests & Procedures

A chest X-ray is an imaging test that uses X-rays to look at the structures and organs in your chest. It can help your healthcare provider see how well your lungs and heart are working. Certain heart problems can cause changes in your lungs. Certain diseases can cause changes in the structure of the heart or lungs. ...more

Lung Scan in Pulmonary Tests & Procedures

A lung scan is an imaging test to look at your lungs and help diagnose certain lung problems. A lung scan may also be used to see how well treatment is working. ...more

Lobectomy in Pulmonary Tests & Procedures

A lobectomy is a surgery to remove one of the lobes of the lungs....more

Lung Transplant in Pulmonary Tests & Procedures

A lung transplant is surgery to remove a diseased lung and replace it with a healthy lung from another person. ...more

CT Scan of the Chest in Pulmonary Tests & Procedures

A computed tomography (CT) scan is a type of imaging test. It uses X-rays and a computer to make images or slices of the body. A CT scan can make detailed pictures of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, organs, and blood vessels. They are more detailed than regular X-rays. ...more

BiPap in Pulmonary Tests & Procedures

Some medical problems can make it hard for you to breathe. In these cases, you might benefit from bilevel positive airway pressure. It is commonly known as BiPap or BPap. It is a type of ventilator - a device that helps with breathing. ...more

Managing Your COPD See AllPulmonary Rehabilitation Care See AllManaging Symptoms See AllManaging Medications and Equipment See AllSelf-Care See AllPreventing Complications See All

Overview of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMandR) in Pulmonary Rehabilitation Care

PMandR is a medical specialty that works to restore function for a person who has been disabled due to a disease, disorder, or injury. ...more

Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Pulmonary Rehabilitation Care

A pulmonary rehab program can help people with long-term (chronic) lung diseases. Here's what you need to know. ...more

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMandR) Treatment Team in Your Health Care Team

Learn about the different specialists who make up the rehabilitation treatment team....more

Patient and Family in Your Health Care Team

You as the patient and your family are the most important members of the rehab team....more

Signs of Respiratory Distress in Managing Symptoms

It's important to learn the symptoms of respiratory distress to know how to respond appropriately. ...more

Inhalers and Nebulizers for Asthma in Managing Medications and Equipment

Inhalers and nebulizers deliver medicine directly to the lungs. They cause fewer side effects than medicine taken by mouth or injection. ...more

Managing COPD: Medicines for Long-Term Control in Managing Medications and Equipment

You may need several types of medicine to control your COPD symptoms. You may take some of these medicines using an inhaler. Others you may take by mouth. ...more

Influenza (Flu) in Immunizations

Influenza, or flu, is a respiratory tract infection that spreads easily. It is caused by a virus. ...more

Pneumonia in Immunizations

Pneumonia is an infection of one or both of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or chemical irritants. It is a serious infection or inflammation in which the air sacs fill with pus and other liquid. ...more

COPD: Dining Tips

Healthy eating is important if you have COPD. Choose healthy foods when eating at home or when you dine out. ...more

COPD: End-of-Life Care in Emotional Support

What kind of care would you want if you were no longer able to speak for yourself? Read on to learn how to prepare. ...more

Traveling with a Chronic Condition in Preventing Complications

See your healthcare provider as early as possible before you leave on your trip. Discuss any risks that may be involved and plan for immunizations, medicine, and medical devices you may need while you're away. ...more

Preventing COPD See AllSmoking Cessation See AllAir Pollution See AllOccupational Exposures See All

Smoking and Respiratory Diseases in Smoking Cessation

Diseases caused by smoking kill more than 480,000 people in the U.S. each year. Here's a look at the risks linked to smoking, as well as information to help you quit. ...more

How to Quit Smoking, Again in Smoking Cessation

Follow these suggestions to help you kick the habit, again--this time, for good....more

What Are the Health Effects of Air Pollution? in Air Pollution

A look at some of the major air pollutants and how they can affect you....more

Indoor Air Can Cause Health Problems in Air Pollution

Don't think you're safe just because you're inside. The air in homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities. ...more

Occupational Lung Diseases in Air Pollution, Occupational Exposures

Work-related lung diseases are lung problems that are made worse in certain work environments. They are caused by long-term exposure to certain irritants that are breathed into the lungs. These lung diseases may have lasting effects, even after the exposure ends. Read on for more details. ...more

Interactive Tools See All

Cost of Smoking Calculator

There isn't much good that can be said about smoking. Now, on a positive note, do you know how much money you can save if you quit smoking today?...more

COPD Quiz

Smoking is the main cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a serious, debilitating and often fatal illness. Take this quiz to find out more about COPD and how to prevent it....more

Emphysema Quiz

The main symptom of emphysema is shortness of breath, which is caused by permanent damage to the small air sacs and small airways in the lungs....more