COPD

Overview

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a group of lung diseases that block airflow and make breathing difficult.

Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two most common conditions that make up COPD. Chronic bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs. Emphysema occurs when the air sacs (alveoli) at the end of the smallest air passages (bronchioles) in the lungs are gradually destroyed.

Damage to your lungs from COPD can't be reversed, but treatment can help control symptoms and minimize further damage.

Read more about COPD and emphysema.

Why choose Mayo Clinic

• Experience. Mayo Clinic treats thousands of people each year for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• Special expertise. Mayo Clinic has special expertise in treatment of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, a genetic form of emphysema that is often unrecognized.
• Team approach. Mayo Clinic specialists work together so that you receive all the expertise needed to identify your problem and find an effective solution.
• Comprehensive options. Virtually every test and therapy for diagnosis and treatment of COPD is available at Mayo Clinic, including lung volume reduction surgery and lung transplant. Mayo Clinic's laboratory for testing lung function is one of the largest of its kind, and Mayo pulmonary specialists participate in clinical trials of new medications for treatment of COPD. Mayo Clinic offers state-of-the-art tobacco cessation treatment. Mayo Clinic locations in Minnesota and Florida offer pulmonary rehabilitation programs.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for respiratory disorders by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., is ranked high performing for respiratory disorders by U.S. News & World Report.

Mayo Clinic: Answers you can trust

At Mayo Clinic, we assemble a team of specialists who take the time to listen and thoroughly understand your health issues and concerns. We tailor the care you receive to your personal health care needs. You can trust our specialists to collaborate and offer you the best possible outcomes, safety and service.

Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical institution that reinvests all earnings into improving medical practice, research and education. We're constantly involved in innovation and medical research, finding solutions to improve your care and quality of life. Your doctor or someone on your medical team is likely involved in research related to your condition.

Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care — and trusted answers — like they've never experienced.

Why Choose Mayo Clinic
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