Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

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Pulmonary Function Tests Podcast

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Health Tip: Identifying Symptoms of Bronchitis

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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?

What is COPD? See All

Anatomy of the Respiratory System in What is COPD?

The respiratory system includes the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, and lungs....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....more

Peak Flow Measurement in Pulmonary Tests & Procedures

Peak flow measurement is 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 health care 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 done 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

CT scan is a type of imaging test. It uses X-rays and computer technology 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 (PM&R) in Pulmonary Rehabilitation Care

PM and R is a medical specialty that works to restore function for a person who has been disabled as a result of a disease, disorder, or injury....more

Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Pulmonary Rehabilitation Care

A pulmonary rehabilitation program is tailored to meet the needs of the individual patient and the specific lung problem or disease....more

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Treatment Team in Your Health Care Team

The team is usually directed by a physiatrist, with other specialists playing important roles in the treatment and education process....more

Patient and Family in Your Health Care Team

You as the patient and your family are the most important members of the rehabilitation 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 in Managing Medications and Equipment

Inhalers deliver medicine directly to the lungs with less 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: End-of-Life Care in Emotional Support

What kind of care would you want if you were no longer able to speak for yourself?...more

Traveling with Chronic Conditions 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

Fewer than a quarter of those who attempt to quit are able to make it beyond three months before resuming smoking. Here are suggestions to help you kick the habit, again, for good....more

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

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tracks five major air pollutants that cause significant health effects: ground-level ozone, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide and microscopic particles called particulate matter....more

Indoor Air Can Cause Health Problems in Air Pollution

Don't assume you're safe just because you're inside. The air within 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....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

Multimedia See All

Pulmonary Function Tests Podcast

These tests assess lung volumes, capacities, rates of flow, and gas exchange. Different procedures measure lung function in different ways....more

Peak Flow Measurement Podcast

Peak flow measurement is a procedure that records the amount of air flowing out of your lungs. Peak flow can be measured with either a spirometer or a peak flow meter....more

Metered-Dose Inhaler

An MDI is the most commonly used inhaler in treating lung diseases such as asthma and COPD. Unfortunately, many people who need an inhaler do not use it correctly, so they don't receive the full benefit of the medication. Watch this video to learn the best way to use your inhaler....more

Peak Flow Meter

A peak flow meter for asthma is like a thermometer for a fever - it helps you monitor what's going on inside your lungs by measuring airflow out of the lungs. The meter can tell you if your airways are narrowing well before asthma symptoms begin. Learn how to use a peak flow meter, how to find your "personal best," and how to set your peak flow zones....more