Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease isn't one of those illnesses that get a lot of attention or research, says a close relative of mine with the disease. Nevertheless, It's serious.

COPD affects 24 million Americans, gradually damages the lungs, and can turn active people into invalids. Manifestations include emphysema, which lowers lung capacity, and chronic bronchitis, which causes coughing and difficulty breathing.

According to the National Institutes of Health, COPD is the fourth-leading cause of death.

But there's a neat invention expected to soon be approved for sale in the United States for at-home use by those with the disease. It breaks up the bacteria-breeding mucus that can accumulate in patients. It's called the "Lung Flute," and it's already approved for therapeutic use in Europe and Canada, and for collecting sputum samples here.

The Lung Flute, like its musical counterpart, works on the principle of resonance, said Frank Codella, chairman of Buffalo, N.Y.-based Medical Acoustics, its seller. The device vibrates the airways and the cilia, the tiny hair-like projections in lungs that propel mucus out of the lungs. The vibrations thin the mucus so it can be expelled more easily.

Engineer Sandy Hawkins invented the Lung Flute, inspired to take the idea to market when he learned of the prevalence of COPD, Codella said.

"He decided that sound could be applied to the problem," Codella said. "Fortunately, I met him, and we were able to bring some people I knew that were scientists, and some business guys, and we just put money and focus on the problem."

An application to sell the Lung Flute as a medical device to treat COPD has been filed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Codella said. Approval is expected before the end of the year.

On Nov. 10, Popular Science magazine gave it a Best of What's New award for 2009, under the headline "The Pied Piper of Mucus."

"We've gotten I think 600 e-mails already from people asking where can I buy it since the article came out in Popular Science," Codella said. "And a lot have been physicians."

Do you know of an entrepreneurial success story or bold beginning in North San Diego County or Southwest Riverside County? Contact Bradley J. Fikes at bfikes@nctimes.com or 760-739-6641.