Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-term lung condition that makes it hard to breathe. It mainly affects the airways and air sacs in the lungs, causing them to become inflamed and damaged. This damage leads to narrowed airways and difficulty moving air in and out of the lungs. People with COPD often experience chronic cough, shortness of breath, and frequent respiratory infections. The disease usually worsens over time, making everyday activities more challenging. COPD primarily affects the respiratory system and reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches the body.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory disorder characterized by persistent airflow limitation due to chronic inflammation of the airways and lung parenchyma. The core pathology involves chronic bronchitis (inflammation and mucus hypersecretion) and emphysema (destruction of alveolar walls), usually caused by long-term exposure to cigarette smoke or other noxious particles. This leads to airway remodeling, loss of elastic recoil, and airflow obstruction that is not fully reversible. COPD is associated with systemic inflammation and increased risk of comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease. The disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with hallmark symptoms including dyspnea, chronic cough, and sputum production.