RT Journal
A1 Torpy JM, Goodman DM, Burke AE, Livingston EH
T1 CHronic obstructive pulmonary disease
JF JAMA
JO JAMA
YR 2012
FD September 26
VO 308
IS 12
SP 1281
OP 1281
DO 10.1001/jama.2012.12362
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.2012.12362
AB 
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease  (COPD) is one of the most common lung disorders in adults and includes chronic bronchitis  and emphysema . In COPD, the airway passages (known as bronchi  and bronchioles ) become obstructed because of inflammation and excess sputum (phlegm) production. With emphysema, the alveoli  (tiny air sacs of the lung where oxygen is absorbed and carbon dioxide is released) are partially destroyed. These problems result in difficulty breathing and decreased amounts of oxygen delivered to the body's tissues. COPD affects between 12 million and 24 million persons and is a leading cause of death in the United States. COPD affects both men and women, and the most common cause is smoking (accounting for 80%-90% of cases). The September 26, 2012, issue of JAMA includes an article about COPD. This Patient Page is based on one previously published in the June 16, 2010, issue of JAMA.