Glossary

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious, progressive and disabling disease. COPD involves the destruction of lung tissue and narrowing of the airways, causing breathlessness and fits of coughing. Exercise capacity is reduced. Cigarette smoking almost always causes COPD. Its main pattern is known as emphysema, although if coughing is a frequent feature the condition may also be labeled as chronic bronchitis.