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The Emphysema COPD Research Center (ECRC) is focused on the investigation of new scientific concepts leading to the development of innovative treatments and therapies for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The program uses advanced ideas in molecular, biochemical, physiologic, and radiographic assessment to identify unique characteristics of patients leading to personalized approaches to treatment. We have been dedicated to this mission for over 30 years and continue to be on the forefront of understanding lung disease and developing new therapies.
Our team in the Emphysema COPD Research Center, directed by Dr. Frank Sciurba, has demonstrated national leadership in the area of bronchoscopic device and novel pharmacologic therapies, pulmonary rehabilitation, lung function and exercise testing. It relies on successful basic, translational, and clinical science collaborations with other scientific leaders within the University of Pittsburgh, and with other national and international scientists.
The ECRC has an active registry of COPD patients through which we learn about the changes in their disease over time and through which subjects are made aware of appropriate clinical research trials for which they may qualify.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a term used to describe chronic inflammatory lung disease characterized by limitation of exhaled airflow. The disease can be associated with bronchial airway narrowing due to scarring, inflammation/bronchitis and mucus production or due to destruction of tiny air sacs leading to holes in the lungs and change of lung elasticity known as emphysema.
It affects more than 13 million Americans and is the fourth leading cause of death in the US. Not all patients with COPD present the same way. Patients can have different severity of airflow obstruction and different degrees of symptoms which may include cough, sputum production, shortness of breath and chest tightness.
Smoking cigarettes is the leading cause of COPD in the US. Other known risk factors include other types of tobacco smoking and exposures to certain environmental, pollution and occupational exposures. While genetics likely play a role in susceptibility to COPD, the only known significant genetic association is alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
Symptoms of COPD can be different for each person, and may include:
COPD also causes flare-ups, called exacerbations. Flare-ups are when you have an increase or new onset of cough, sputum, wheezing, shortness of breath or chest tightness which requires treatment with antibiotics, steroids, and/or hospitalizations
If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to talk to your health care provider. One way to better understand the condition of your lungs is to have a spirometry test.
For more information on COPD and treatment options for COPD or to take a questionnaire to see if you are eligible for our COPD Registy please click one of the buttons below:
If You Take the Survey Here and Are Eligible for the Registry, A Spirometry Test Will Be a Part of the Visit.
