Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of diseases causing difficulty in airflow in and out of the lungs. COPD includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema and sometimes asthma.

Chronic Bronchitis is inflammation occurring in the bronchial tubes which narrows the tubes making it hard to breath.

Emphysema affects the tiny air sacs called alveoli causing tissue damage and air trapping.

Asthma is an inflammatory disorder. When an asthma attack occurs the muscles surrounding the airways tighten and the airways become swollen causing shortness of breath and wheezing.

What is COPD? - COPD Facts - COPD Symptoms