About COPDChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, is a disease that encompasses one or more of the following:
Emphysema can best be characterized as the progressive destruction of the grape-like sacs that fulfill the lung's basic function: exchanging oxygen in the air for carbon dioxide in the cardiovascular system. Emphysema is the chief "culprit" in COPD.
Chronic Bronchitis is a first step toward impending emphysema/COPD. It often results from "ordinary" chest infections (colds, flu). Folks with chronic bronchitis know that every, or nearly every, cold they get will "go straight to the lungs". With proper care it need not lead to COPD. In a COPD patient chronic bronchitis contributes to the "gunk" that we spit up regularly (there's no pretty way to say it)
Chronic Asthma is the third constituent of COPD. Not all COPD patients have asthma, and most certainly most asthma patients do not have COPD. But many of us suffer from it greatly. Already sick, our airways are easily constricted by all manner of airborne nasties. It is why we carry our inhalers. Some authorities do not consider asthma a component of COPD because unlike emphysema and chronic bronchitis, asthma can be reversed.
What Are The Signs?
Symptoms vary somewhat from one individual to another. However, most of us have experienced most of these:
Shortness Of Breath after normal-to-light exertion is an important sign and something that needs medical attention.
A lingering, or even constant cough. If a cough lingers long after a lung infection has cleared up something is wrong.
A history of lung problems. Chest colds don't clear up like they do for other folks...they linger. Maybe you've had flu several times, or worse, pneumonia.
Other family members have been diagnosed with emphysema. Perhaps your family carries the gene responsible for Alpha1 Antitrypsin Deficiency which is a brand of emphysema brought on by an enzyme deficiency and which may be contracted even though the individual has never smoked.

Where To Go From Here
Persons with COPD can most certainly lead productive, fulfilling lives. How we handle our disease, and its effects, is very important.
If we sit back and let it take charge, then it will. We may decline rather rapidly; our spirits suffer; normal activities become major obstacles.
However, if we take charge then we can dramatically affect the progress of the disease, learn that we can still lead quality lives, and be proud. At whatever stage of the disease, this simple approach can make an important difference.
These web pages are but a beginning. But through them you can start the journey to improving your life and your spirits - in a significant way. There are many excellent COPD sites on the net. Our web links page can be your jumping off place to these valuable resources.
Join One Or More Of Our Programs
Our internet mail list (e-mail) is an excellent way to stay in touch with other COPD patients and caregivers. We are patients, some with mild lung problems, some with quite severe. We are also caregivers and friends of COPD patients. We are sons and daughters as well as health care professionals. If the volume of mail inherent in an mail list is too much, or if you just want additional information then you might look into one of our other programs which include a Caregivers List, COPD Newsletter, COPD-Watch Program, SmokeNoMore Program, chatroom with scheduled chats, a link page with only top notch information which has been reviewed by our staff, and a listing of member pages which may be of interest. So, if you are interested in any of our programs, click here for our Programs Page and choose what suits you.
The list began in January 1997 when six or seven people were solicited to participate in this experiment in information sharing. By our first anniversary we had grown to 267 members. We now have members on every continent except Antarctica. We share knowledge of the things that have helped us, and the things that have hurt us. We stay informed regarding treatments and medications. But, most of all, we give one another the encouragement and support that is so important to our lives. Many of us become very dear friends. If you are interested in becoming a subscriber please read both the explanation of what to expect as a list member as well as our posting guidelines and then join us. We hope you will introduce yourself to us soon.
Financial Base
There is no charge for any subscription. However, sponsorships, donations, and memorial gifts are greatly appreciated! The hosting of our lists by outside vendors and our other programs does cost money. These costs are paid by COPD-Support, Inc. which is the corporation established to provide the means to fund, administer and manage the Family of COPD Support Programs. Some subscribers and organizations help provide funds by joining the corporation as a member or with voluntary contributions. We would prefer, however, that new subscribers to any of our programs DO NOT contribute until they have at least 60 days with us. This will allow adequate time to determine if your subscription provides you with necessary and lasting support. While we certainly welcome such contributions, please do not believe that they are necessary. We're kind of like public television - contribute if you think we're performing a service that makes a difference in your life or the life of someone you love. If you're not sure, or can't afford it, then that's OK. Contributions are all used to defray direct costs of running the various programs. Individuals serving as Management are not paid for their time, labor, or the use of their computer equipment.
COPD-Support, Inc.
We are recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a non profit organization under the definition provided in Internal Revenue Service Code 501(c)(3). As such, donations to the organization may be tax deductible the same as other charitable organizations. Donations will be acknowledged and should be forwarded to:
COPD-Support, Inc.c/o Janice L. Reynolds85 Main StWindham, ME 04062