Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a long-term disease consisting of damage in the tissue of the lungs or in the airways. COPD encompasses two diseases - emphysema and chronic bronchitis - and is almost always the result of years of cigarette smoking. The disease is a common one. According to the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), more than 5 percent of American adults suffer from COPD. COPD tends to set in between ages 50 and 70. ACCP reports that numbers are highest among women between ages 65 and 74, with a 10.4 percent rate of COPD. Symptoms include sh...

The American Lung Association (ALA) has released their State of the Air for 2012. Is the city you live in one of the best or worst when it comes to air pollution?

"I stopped smoking years ago, but a lung-function test…showed that I had COPD," says actor and comedian Robert Klein. And that's the reality of smoking: every cigarette damages your lungs a little more and raises your risk of COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder.

The summer of 2011 is one for the record books. This hottest and driest summer in recent memory has led to many forest and home fires. These fires can lead to more asthma attacks and worsen respiratory conditions in those most sensitive in the population.

Outdoor activities are usually a summer staple. It's great to be outside, but record-breaking heat requires protective strategies to keep things fun, fit and safe.

"I couldn't breathe, I could barely walk, and felt like I was going to collapse or pass out when I did." "I can't stand but for a couple minutes, or walk very far that I am not gasping for breath." "Everything feels like it’s a hill I have to climb, but don’t have the energy, and breath to do it. I am really trying to have a more positive attitude, maybe I need a swift kick in the butt!" All of these individuals - writing on a patient support forum  - are talking about what it's like for them to live with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD.