Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

As an umbrella name for a wide variety of lung conditions that affect breathing, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (CODP) highlights conditions of the lungs and airways that are usually chronic, progressive and most of the time, irreversible. The most common conditions highlighted in this term are Emphysema and Chronic Bronchitis. 

Because COPDs tend to cause damage to the airways that carry air to the lungs, the airways often become swollen and narrowed therefore obstructing the flow of air in and out of the lungs. Certain types of COPD can also scar the lungs, further increasing resistance in the airway. Other forms may cause the lungs and airways to secrete excessive phlegm that becomes difficult to clear.