Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, is a group of progressive lung diseases characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation that is not fully reversible. The restricted airflow is generally progressive and associated with abnormal inflammatory response of the lungs to irritants." They are most commonly caused by tobacco smoking. The family of diseases includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema and bronchiectasis.

Most sufferers of COPD are smokers or former smokers. Breathing in other kinds of lung irritants, like pollutants, dust, or chemicals, over a long period of time may also cause or contribute to COPD.

COPD develops slowly and it may be many years before symptoms such as breathing difficulties are noticed. Thus COPD is usually diagnosed in middle-aged or older people. COPD is also characterized by exacerbations which are often associated with a rapid progression of symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and sputum production, sometimes leading to respiratory failure. Exacerbations are most commonly brought on by infectious agents. Bronchodilators, antibiotics, and oral or intravenous steroids are used to treat these episodes.

We are investigating the pathology of these diseases to find new targets from which improved treatment options may be developed.