Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD), also known as
chronic obstructive lung disease
(COLD), and
chronic obstructive airway disease
(COAD), is a lung disease
characterized by chronically poor airflow.
The term chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease includes two main conditions:
- Emphysema, in which the walls of the air sacs are damaged. Usually, the only symptom of
emphysema is breathing difficulty.
- Chronic bronchitis, in which the lining of the airways is irritated and
inflamed.
Most people present both emphysema and chronic bronchitis at the same time.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
typically worsens over time. Symptoms develop slowly. A chronic cough is often
the first symptom to occur.
Tobacco smoking, air pollution and genetics are the most common cause of
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.