Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an umbrella term used to describe progressive lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and refractory (non-reversible) asthma. This disease is characterized by increasing breathlessness.

COPD is a progressive and (currently) incurable disease, but with the right diagnosis and treatment, there are many things you can do to manage your COPD and breathe better. People can live for many years with COPD and enjoy life.

Symptoms of COPD can be different for each person, but common symptoms are:

• Increased shortness of breath
• Frequent coughing (with and without mucus)
• Increased breathlessness
• Wheezing
• Tightness in the chest