"Emphysema is the purist form of COPD," said Dr. Botta, "and consists of airflow obstruction - of air going out, not going in."

The problem is so pervasive that it is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. today. It's estimated that 15 percent of smokers get the disease.

The meeting, "Learn More, Breathe Better: Living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease," also featured Marianne Mitchell, R.N., APRN, who leads the hospital's Quit Now smoking cessation program, and Pat DiLauro, R.N., a respiratory therapist who coordinates the hospital's Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program.

The meeting also included four COPD patients who discussed their successful treatments at Danbury Hospital.

Lung function diminishes with COPD and sufferers will have shortness of breath, according to Dr. Botta.

When alveoli, small pockets in the lungs, get destroyed, people can breathe in seemingly okay, but struggle to expel air. Over time, the inhaled air gets trapped in the lungs and it becomes harder for COPD sufferers to breath more air in.

While it's not curable, COPD can be treated. The number-one treatment for smokers is to quit smoking, said Dr. Botta.

Ms. Mitchell's program is very successful in helping smokers kick the habit.

"Twenty years ago you were told to go cold turkey," she said, but today, nicotine replacements and medications can help.

She especially likes the new drug, Chantix, which promises a 70 percent success rate after six months. She also encourages people to participate in group programs, like Quit Now.

Ms. Mitchell readily admits that it's always hard to quit smoking, especially today, when cigarettes may be more addictive and include many more habit-forming chemicals than ever before.

Additives like formaldehyde, acetone, ammonia, tar, arsenic, butane and carbon monoxide are some of the chemicals in cigarettes, she said.

In addition to quitting smoking, Dr. Botta treats patients by using bronchodilators, inhaled medications to open up the airways and inhaled corticosteroids.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is also a very helpful program at Danbury Hospital. The disease management program teaches patients skills to manage their symptoms and improve their functional level and quality of life.

Dr. Botta encourages patients to use oxygen when recommended by their doctors. Often, he said, patients are embarrassed by or want to avoid having the oxygen tank. But in the long run, he said, it saves lives.

Those seeking additional information may visit www.danburyhospital.org.