Sixteen million people in our country have been diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder but it estimated that millions more go undiagnosed.

Regional Director of the American Lung Association Kurt Goerke says, "C.O.P.D. stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder and it's kind of a catch all group for people that are dealing with things like chronic bronchitis, emphysema -- adults who have asthma are also in that group."

Physician Stephen Zellner says that research has shown that smokers are at the highest risk for developing this condition. But whether or not you smoke, you should always see your physician if you have difficulty breathing. "We can do some breathing tests or pulmonary function studies that can actually determine how well the lungs work and treat these people with appropriate medication."

But if you continue to let your symptoms go, the effects of C.O.P.D. can be so debilitating that it's difficult to even get out of bed.

It's recommended that all smokers and former smokers over the age of 45 and people with respiratory problems go see their physician for pulmonary function testing.

For many people, the earliest symptoms of C.O.P.D. are a cough that just won't go away, or shortness of breath. Early detection and proper treatment are important to help slow the progression of this potentially life threatening disease.