COPD is a term used to include a group of diseases (chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthmatic bronchitis). The characteristic common to this disease is obstruction to airflow out of the lungs and the common symptom is shortness of breath. The following definitions have been made: NICE Clinical Guidelines: COPD is characterised by airflow obstruction. The airflow obstruction is usually progressive, not fully reversible and does not change markedly over several months.

The impact of COPD on the family depends on many factors: the personality of the patient, of family members, and the family structure. COPD can create changes in the family structure, but these changes can be an opportunity for strengthening the family. Both patient and family may be sharing a ride on an emotional roller coaster. This is a dynamic process that is likely to change over time—without prior notice. See similar questions...

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease which is largely made up of the tobacco-related conditions emphysema and chronic bronchitis. See similar questions...

Jump To: Select Forum COPD Forums COPD Support - COPD Information Transplant & LVRS Topics O2 Support & Lung Function Testing COPD Support Newsletters COPD Resource Forum Smoke No More Program Off Topic & General Support Forums Recipe Exchange People to People & other Topics Forum Support Links Terms and Definitions Dave's Lung Health and Transplant Resource Portal COPD Support Home Page COPD Support Chat Room Private Forums Test Chat Room -------------------- Home Active Topics Frequently Asked. See similar questions...

Most cases of COPD result from the damage caused by smoking, or environmental pollution. However there is a very rare genetic disorder called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Alpha-1 antitrypsin is a small protein found in the body, which stops enzymes such as trypsin from doing damage to the body. If you are short of alpha-1 antitrypsin, the trypsin in your body will, over time, do damage to your lungs, and this damage can result in COPD. See similar questions...

Well apparently it has to do with something called gene expression, which refers to the pattern in which genes are switched on and off. And gene expression has a major effect on your body's biological processes. Each cell in your body contains a 'power-factory' that produces energy, called the mitochondria. See similar questions...

For men interested in restoring and reinvigorating their faces, plastic surgery may be the secret. Before diving in, it's essential to know exactly what can and cannot do for a man's face for a fresher look. Chantix is an oral medication prescribed to individuals who are trying to quit smoking. However, recent reports from patient's taking the drug have associated it with depressive side effects including suicidal thoughts, behaviors and psychotic episodes. See similar questions...

Isotonic solutions cause no swelling or contraction of the tissues with which they come in contact, and produce no discomfort when instilled in the eye, nasal tract, or other body tissues. See similar questions...

The tonicity of the solution is less than that of the cells. When this occurs, water enters into the blood cells causing them to swell and finally burst, with the liberation of hemoglobin, or water invasion of the body’s cells. If this invasion is beyond the body’s cells, then water intoxication results, with convulsions and edema. See similar questions...

The tonicity of the solution is greater than that of the cells, which can cause a variety of complications, such as, hyperglycemia, intracellular dehydration, loss of water and electrolytes, dehydration and coma. See similar questions...

Here a "hack" is a clever shortcut or a lesser-known, faster way to get something done. A hacker believes that information-sharing is a powerful positive good, and that it is a hacker's duty to share her expertise—so we will. See similar questions...

Please see RTFM in the Jargon File. Posters please note: Moderators are unlikely to approve follow-ups that consist solely of "RTFM". See similar questions...

Read The Fine FAQ, a variant of RTFM. Also RTFAQ Posters please note: Moderators are unlikely to approve follow-ups that consist solely of "RTFF". See similar questions...