COPD Research Database

COPD research is conducted at universities, hospitals, clinics and medical centers worldwide. This website is a searchable dataset containing comprehensive information on a network of researchers, titles of research projects in COPD conducted since 2008, and locations of COPD focused research. You will also find links to related research resources such as Patient Registries, Scientific and Lay Organizations, Publications and Funding Sources.

The data is searchable by name of investigator, title of research project, location of research or testing center, or through scientific keywords.

What is COPD?

COPD, short for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is an umbrella term used to describe progressive lung diseases which include: emphysema, chronic bronchitis, refractory (irreversible) asthma, and severe bronchiectasis. Other names for COPD are Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COLD) and Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease (CLRD).

Individuals with COPD begin to experience increased breathlessness and a cough that doesn't go away. Both of these signs are not normal signs of aging. Other symptoms of COPD include:

  • Chronic coughing (both with and without sputum),
  • Wheezing,
  • Tightness in your chest.

Facts About COPD

  • The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) estimates that 12 million adults have COPD, and another 12 million are undiagnosed or developing COPD.
  • COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S., accounting for 127,000 deaths in 2007.
  • COPD kills more women than men each year.
  • COPD will be the third leading cause of death in the U.S. by 2020.
  • A person with COPD dies every four minutes in the U.S.
  • COPD cost the U.S. economy $42.6 billion, in direct and indirect costs in 2007.
  • It is estimated that over 600 million people worldwide have COPD.
  • Smoking is not the only cause of COPD. Second-hand smoke, occupational dust and chemicals, air pollution, and genetic factors (such as Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency) can also cause COPD.
  • COPD is relatively easy to diagnose using a spirometry machine, where the patient exhales as much as possible into a tube.
  • COPD does not have a cure, but treatments are currently available to help individuals manage their symptoms of COPD.