Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive life threatening lung disease that causes breathlessness that is characterized by a persistent reduction of airflow. COPD remains the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. and National costs attributed to COPD treatment and care are projected to increase by 53% through 2020-from $32 billion to $49 billion. Joining this Therapeutic Thursday are four experts who treat patients with COPD.