Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a term referring to a large group of lung diseases characterized by obstruction to airflow that interferes with normal breathing. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the most important conditions that compose COPD and they frequently co-exist, hence physicians prefer the term COPD. It does not include other obstructive diseases such as asthma.

COPD cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. Early diagnosis and treatment can slow its progression and greatly enhance a patient's health and quality of life. An untreated person suffering from COPD weakens as the disease develops. People with COPD may eventually require supplemental oxygen and/or machines to assist with breathing. In later stages of the disease, heart failure and/or death can occur.

Questions To Ask:

• Are you a current or former smoker?
• Do you frequently experience a deep, chronic wet cough?
• When completing routine activities such as climbing a flight of stairs, are you short of breath?
• Do you live in a heavy smog/high-ozone area?
• Are you exposed to air pollution at work?
• In cold weather does your chest get tight or do you find if difficult to breathe?

If you have answered yes to one or more of these questions, consult your physician and ask about a lung function test. For more information about Spirometry and Other Lung Function Tests Fact Sheet visit American Lung Association®'s web site.

*National Center for Health Statistics, Report of Mortality and Morbidity, 2002.

"Living with COPD/Emphysema and Sarcoidosis was a living death. I existed. I struggled to breathe, when I moved I panted, gasped for air like a fish out of water. As I slowly showered and dressed, ready to go somewhere, I couldn't sit down to rest. I fell asleep. I went from a physically active life landscaping, restoring a wonderful property in Port Townsend to a blob who existed in front of her computer. I searched the world web to discover what COPD/Emphysema was - what Sarcoidosis was, everything, anything I could find out about my diseases and the medications I took.

I couldn't sleep in a bed - I couldn't breathe - I dozed sitting in a chair. By the time I arrived at the Pulmonary Department at the University of Washington Medical Center, I believed my days were numbered. Previously diagnosed with COPD/Emphysema, an open lung biopsy showed the fibrosis and granulomas of Sarcoidosis evenly throughout both lungs. Without energy, I felt isolated, without a purpose, a shell, a mockery of the person I used to be.

I regretted a 40-year smoking habit, but didn't dwell on it. The single most difficult thing I've ever done is stop smoking. I craved cigarettes and for the first time understood a drug addict's 'craving' for a drug. I craved a cigarette many times a day, then almost daily for more than two years. Even today, occasionally the urge to smoke a cigarette becomes almost overwhelming.

That is how I felt then. Today I'm energized with purpose. I found a support group online - the non-profit EFFORTS, begun by COPD'rs, run by COPD'rs and filled with folks like me working to change the world's awareness of COPD. I want other lung folks to know they are not alone and how they can lead the best quality of life possible. I want to see Spirometry tests for patients. common place among physicians - to catch COPD early - before it is too late. Other than stop smoking, the single most important thing Lungers can do for themselves is exercise.

And from the time I learned of the American Lung Association® of Washington's Big Ride Across America, it is my dream - my goal." - Sharon