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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major public health problem. It is the forth leading cause of chronic morbidity and mortality in the United States and is projected to rank fifth in 2020 according to a study published by the World Bank/ World Health Organization.

According to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), COPD is a disease state characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. The airflow limitation is usually both progressive and associated with abnormal inflammatory response of the lungs.

The characteristic symptoms of COPD are cough, sputum production and dyspnoea upon exertion.

COPD can coexist with asthma, the other major chronic obstructive airway disease characterized by an underlying airway inflammation. However, the inflammation characteristic of COPD is distinct from that of asthma.

Many experts believe that COPD is both under-diagnosed and misdiagnosed, especially in its early stages. This is important, because COPD is a major health problem worldwide, affecting the breathing and lifestyle of millions of people, and it is increasing.

There are a number of internet websites that can provide further information about COPD for both healthcare professionals, sufferers and their relatives.

Information, news, updates, diagnosis help, articles and a discussion forum for healthcare professionals interested in Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease is provided by www.COPDprofessional.org

Global information about COPD, diagnosis and treatment developed by the Global Initiative of Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (Gold) can be foundet at www.goldcopd.com

Information, a newsletter, and lifestyle tips for people with COPD as well as for healthcare professionals can be found at www.thebreathingspace.com.
Glossary
Definition of the most important technical terms.
Links
Further information for healthcare professionals and patients in the World Wide Web.