View Image
Respiratory System Overview
COPD is a disease of the respiratory system. The respiratory system comprises the upper airways and the lower airways, which include the lungs. Read more

Reference
1. Marieb EN. Human Anatomy and Physiology. 3rd ed. Redwood City, CA:Benjamin Cummings Publishing, 1995.

View Image
Understanding COPD
"A preventable and treatable disease with some significant extrapulmonary effects that may contribute to the severity in individual patients...". Read more
View Image
Diagnosis of COPD
A diagnosis of COPD should be made on the basis of a thorough medical history, physical examination and measurement of airflow limitation by spirometry... read more

Reference
3. Living Art Enterprises, LLC / Science Photo Library, M150 / 322. Available at: www.sciencephoto.com (Accessed 24 February 2009).

View Image
Treatment of COPD
Bronchodilators act to relax the smooth muscle around the bronchioles, which widens airways and allows easier air-flow. These drugs improve emptying of the lungs, reducing hyperinflation and improving exercise performance... Read more
View Image
Resources
Click here to view our selected links than can assist you with further research into Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Read more

Access the COPD Knowledge Centre
COPD Knowledge Centre

This Knowledge Centre contains detailed information on the current diagnosis and treatment of COPD.

This information is intended for healthcare professionals only.

If you are not a healthcare professional please visit our patient website