Official Title

Extracellular vesicles and the development of COPD

Purpose

The study is being done to learn more about how certain smokers develop COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. By studying microscopic particles (extracellular vesicles) in the blood and lung fluid from smokers we can learn more about this process. This information could lead to better understanding of how smoking damages the lungs and could ultimately help design treatments for people with or at risk for COPD

Could this study be right for you?

- 21 years of age and older
- Current Smoker with at least 10 pack year history
- With or without diagnosis of COPD
- Willing to participate in bronchoscopy procedure
- Not currently diagnosed interstitial lung disease (i.e. sarcoidosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis), lung cancer, primary pulmonary hypertension or have active cardiac disease

Age Range

21 and up