Chronic Pulmonary Disease Care at University of Colorado Hospital
Why Choose Treatment for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) at University of Colorado Hospital?
The COPD Center at University of Colorado Hospital is the first such specialized center in the nation. We offer an integrated, multidisciplinary treatment program. Our program is unique; we cover all aspects of COPD, including the early detection of lung cancer. The COPD Center has been selected by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute as one of six national centers to participate in the COPD Network. Through this network, our center conducts research trial investigating new therapies for the treatment of COPD.
What is COPD?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is used to refer to two diseases (chronic bronchitis and emphysema) that obstruct the airflow and make it difficult to breathe. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in America, according to the American Lung Association.
Symptoms of COPD include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chronic cough
- Wheezing
- Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
- Weight loss
- Swelling of the lower extremities
- Increased mucus
- The need to clear your throat often
- Reduced ability to exercise
People who smoke are most likely to develop COPD. Nearly 90 percent of COPD deaths are caused by smoking.
Other risk factors include:
- Air pollution
- Second-hand smoke
- Respiratory infections in childhood
- Heredity
COPD: Featured Doctors
R. William Vandiver, MD, is the clinical director of the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Center. He completed fellowships in critical care and pulmonary medicine.