Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a common, progressive lung condition that makes breathing difficult. It encompasses two main problems:
* Chronic bronchitis – inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to a persistent cough and excess mucus.
* Emphysema – destruction of the tiny air‑sac structures (alveoli) in the lungs, creating holes and reducing the surface area for gas exchange.
People with COPD experience shortness of breath, chronic cough, sputum production, wheezing, chest tightness, and frequent chest infections. The disease is usually caused by long‑term exposure to airborne toxins, most notably cigarette smoke, but can also result from passive smoke, air pollution, occupational dusts, indoor biomass fuels, and genetic factors such as alpha‑1 antitrypsin deficiency. While COPD can be managed with treatment and lifestyle changes, it cannot be cured. Emphysema specifically refers to the part of COPD where the lung’s air sacs are damaged and lose their elasticity, leading to reduced oxygen uptake.