Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Obstructive lung diseases, which include emphysema and chronic bronchitis, are commonly referred to as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. Less than one-half of people labeled with this disease have actually undergone diagnostic testing to confirm the diagnosis. The test can be obtained at the time of the initial office visit and consists of blowing forcefully into a machine known as a spirometer.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, a program of medication, exercise and patient education is prescribed to enable the patient to avoid acute illness, maximize their exercise ability and improve their quality of life.