Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, is an umbrella term used to describe progressive lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and bronchiectasis, and some forms of asthma. The disease is characterized by increasing breathlessness. As many as 30 million Americans have COPD, but approximately half of them remain undiagnosed. COPD is the third leading cause of death in the United States, and is the only disease in the top 5 leading causes of death with increasing mortality rates. Approximately one in five Americans over the age of 45 are suffering from COPD, and it claims more lives annually than breast cancer and diabetes combined.
The COPD Foundation (COPDF) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to developing programs that improve quality of life through research, education, early diagnosis, and enhanced therapy for persons whose lives are affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The Foundation’s mission is to prevent and cure COPD and improve the lives of all people affected by it. The COPDF’s primary activities include research, education, and advocacy programs. Visit the COPD Foundation website here, and join our support community at www.COPD360social.org.
