DrugDigest  
 
    Search
 
  Drugs & Herbs
  Conditions
  News & Reviews
7 Steps to Safety
Check For Savings
Senior Corner
Glossary
eBulletins
Home
Express Scripts Member?

Health Conditions

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Introduction

From an early age we are educated that smoking can have negative consequences on our health. However, many people ignore the advice and become smokers. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD is a perfect example of what smoking can do to your lungs. While smokers are not the only people who develop COPD, they are certainly at the greatest risk. COPD is characterized by a chronic cough and shortness of breath that continues to worsen over time. It continues to be one of the top five causes of death and decreased quality of life in the United States. While COPD is not completely reversible, treatment can be very effective in minimizing the negative impact of COPD on a person's life.

What is it? >>

Last Updated: February 2008
This content was created by members of the DrugDigest team of experts and is solely under DrugDigest's editorial control.


Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.

  Learn About

Introduction

What is it?

What causes it?

Who has it?

What are the risk factors?

What are the symptoms?

How is it treated?

What is on the horizon?

References



Printable Version     Recommend this page to a friend