ArticlesCOPD Remains Widely Undetected How COPD Affects the
Lungs Interactive ToolsCOPD Quiz Diseases and ConditionsChronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
Diseases (COPD) The average person takes 12 breaths every minute
while at rest. It's a reflex--you don't pay attention unless
there's a problem. However, a rising number of us literally
can't catch our breath because of chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD). COPD is a group of diseases that cause airflow
blockage and breathing-related problems. The main types of COPD
are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. These two conditions
account for most cases of COPD, which affects millions of
Americans. COPD is the third leading cause of death in America.
According to the American Lung Association, in the last eight
consecutive years, more women than men died from COPD. Emphysema
and chronic bronchitis often appear at the same time and usually
require similar treatment. Because they develop at the same
time, your doctor may have dif