Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an obstruction of air flow to the lungs, decreasing their ability to take in oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are the three major diseases comprising COPD.
Symptoms include chronic cough, shortnessof breath, chest tightness, and increased effort to breathe. People with such chronic breathing difficulties are not cured but can be helped through a pulmonary rehabilitation program.