Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD develops slowly, and people are often not diagnosed with it until their 50s, when the disease has greatly affected their lung function.

You take an average of 16 breaths every minute. It's a reflex—you don't pay attention unless there's a problem. But a rising number of us literally can't catch our breath.

As someone with COPD, you may find it helpful to know about the four components of care described in the GOLD guidelines.

A short glossary of terms associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

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.