CDC - COPD Home Page - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

CDC - COPD Home Page - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

What is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, refers to a group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems. It includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD makes breathing difficult for the 16 million Americans who have this disease. Millions more people suffer from COPD, but have not been diagnosed and are not being treated. Although there is no cure for COPD, it can be treated.

Announcement

• In May 2017, the National Institutes of Health released the COPD National Action Plan. This patient-centered road map addresses one of the most urgent health concerns facing Americans. It was developed in collaboration with CDC and other federal agencies, with input from members of the COPD community.