Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Emphysema Program

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease often caused by cigarette smoking that makes breathing difficult. According to the American Lung Association, more than 12 million Americans have COPD, a progressive disease that gets worse over time if not treated. COPD includes both damage to the bronchial tubes (airway disease) and emphysema. Learn more about COPD and emphysema.

The COPD and Emphysema Program at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) Lung Center provides comprehensive diagnostic testing and treatment for men and women with COPD. Coordinated by board-certified physicians in pulmonary and critical care medicine, including interventional pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons who specialize in minimally-invasive lung surgery such as lung volume reduction surgery, our multidisciplinary team also comprises specialists from thoracic imaging, pulmonary rehabilitation and respiratory therapy. Together, they help patients with COPD live more comfortably by improving endurance, providing symptom relief and preventing disease progression.