Frequently Asked Questions - General

The NLHEP is a medical and respiratory therapy organization that promotes lung health by educating medical professionals, as well as the general public, about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease including detection, progression, and prevention.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death in the USA, accounting for over 120,000 deaths annually, and with a cost of over thirty billion dollars per year. It is estimated that over 16 million Americans suffer from COPD, though that figure may be as high as 24 million.

COPD consists of a group of lung diseases, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Common symptoms include obstruction of air flow, shortness of breath, chronic cough, and wheezing. When detected early, COPD can be controlled.

A simple breathing test called spirometry is the best way to detect early COPD.

Spirometry measures the amount of air blown out of the lungs (volume) and how fast it is blown out (flow). A medical device called a spirometer accurately measures the lung functioning.

If they have a family history of COPD or are exposed to environmental smoke or irritants, they should consider being tested. Those who suffer from persistent cough, excess mucus production, chest tightness, or shortness of breath should also be tested.

Although spirometry is a lung test, it can predict illness and death from a number of causes, including risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and stroke.