Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic, progressive disease of the lungs that reduces airflow over time. It is characterized by symptoms that include coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. As the disease progresses, quality of life may be severely compromised.

COPD is most commonly associated with smoking tobacco over a period of years. COPD involves gradual, permanent damage caused to the lungs, which is why the condition is usually found in people over the age of 60. COPD often results from one of two conditions – emphysema or chronic bronchitis – though both conditions may coexist in an individual with COPD.

Many of the symptoms of COPD are similar to those of asthma, although the two conditions are not related in any way. Asthma usually involves breathing difficulties that occur as a result of inflammation in the air passageways, while COPD impedes breathing by causing more permanent lung damage. COPD is generally considered more damaging to the lungs than asthma.

The damage caused by COPD cannot be reversed, but many individuals can stop additional damage from occurring by quitting smoking, avoiding airborne irritants and using drug treatments such as bronchodilators.