Boston Early-Onset Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Study

This study investigates the genetic causes of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) that develops at an unusually young age (before 53), by studying patients and their family members. **You may be eligible if...** - You developed COPD before age 53 - Your lung function tests (spirometry) show severe COPD (FEV1 less than 40% of expected) - A doctor has formally diagnosed you with COPD **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have severe alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (a known inherited lung condition) - You have another chronic lung disease besides COPD (asthma is generally allowed) - You are pregnant - You have had previous lung surgery, lung transplant, or lung volume reduction surgery (unless prior lung function tests are available) Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.