OVERVIEW
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a term for lung and airway diseases that restrict your breathing. People with COPD have airway inflammation and scarring, damage to the air sacs in their lungs or both. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are both forms of COPD. Treatments can manage symptoms and reduce exacerbations.
What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease characterized by persistent airflow limitation and breathing difficulties. It primarily includes two conditions:
- Chronic Bronchitis: Involves inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to increased mucus production and a persistent cough.
- Emphysema: Involves damage to the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs, reducing their elasticity and capacity to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Types of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
COPD includes both emphysema and chronic bronchitis. People with COPD often have features of both.
- Emphysema is when your alveoli become damaged and enlarged. The most common symptom is shortness of breath (dyspnea).
- Chronic bronchitis is inflammation in your large airways. This narrows your airways and makes lots of mucus. Cough is the most common symptom.
Symptoms of COPD
Symptoms may vary among individuals but commonly include:
Causes

What are the risk factors for this condition?
While smoking is the biggest risk factor for COPD, not everyone who smokes will develop it. You may be at higher risk for COPD if you:
- Are a person assigned female at birth.
- Are over the age of 65.
- Have been exposed to air pollution.
- Have worked with chemicals, dust or fumes.
- Have alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
- Had many respiratory infections during childhood.