Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease and one of the most common lung conditions affecting people today. At least 16 million Americans have been diagnosed with COPD, while many more may have it without knowing it. COPD refers to a group of lung conditions that affect breathing by blocking airflow, including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and chronic asthma.

Emphysema is characterized by the gradual destruction of tissue surrounding tiny sacs in the lungs, called alveoli, which facilitate oxygen exchange. In people with emphysema, these air sacs enlarge and lose elasticity. As a result, the rate of oxygen transfer slows, making exhalation a laborious process.

Chronic bronchitis causes inflammation in the bronchial tubes through which air passes. This irritation spurs mucus formation, progressively making breathing more difficult. Individuals with chronic bronchitis typically experience a persistent cough, trouble breathing, and an increase in mucus production.

While chronic asthma is not generally associated with COPD in itself, the severe effects of the disease can progressively lead to COPD. Recent studies have shown a correlation between the severity and persistence of childhood asthma and adult COPD.

Each of the conditions above results in the chronic obstruction of airflow in and out of the lungs.

Today, several treatments are available for COPD, including bronchodilators, steroids, antibiotics, supplemental oxygen, vaccinations, new medications, and transplants. Each of these treatments may limit damage and relieve symptoms, but unfortunately, there is currently no cure for COPD. The continuous lung irritation from this condition is both progressive and irreversible. Studies on COPD are still being performed to determine potential causes, but two leading risk factors are smoking and pollutants.