Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD or Lung Disease) is a term that refers to a collection of lung ailments (diseases) that may make it difficult for the body to expel air from the lungs. Symptoms of COPD include tiredness and shortness of breath (breathlessness). A person with emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or a mix of the two may be diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD or Lung Disease).

Tobacco smoke, either active or secondhand smoke, is the main cause of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD or Lung Disease). Inhaling smoke or other airborne irritants or pollutants may cause mucus production to rise in the bronchial tubes (bronchi), resulting in inflammation and thickening of the bronchial walls. Coughing often, resulting in mucus production, is a symptom of excessive mucus production in the bronchial tubes (phlegm). When pollutants are breathed in excess, COPD may develop over time or in a short amount of time.

Other environmental variables, such as dust, air pollution, and airborne pollutants, may induce Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD or Lung Disease).

According to the American Lung Association, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD or lung disease) is diagnosed as follows:

"Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are both part of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Most people with COPD have a little bit of both, but one or the other predominates. Your doctor will inquire about your family\'s history of respiratory diseases, your symptoms, and the medications you\'re taking, as well as your lifestyle. To diagnose and evaluate the severity of your COPD, he or she will do a physical exam and request certain laboratory tests. (2)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) was predicted to affect 13.1 million people in the United States in 2008. (COPD or Lung Disease). However, over 24 million people in the United States show signs of decreased lung function, suggesting a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) underdiagnosis (COPD or Lung Disease).

In 2008, an estimated 9.8 million Americans were diagnosed with chronic bronchitis, which causes inflammation and scarring of the bronchial tubes\' lining. Chronic bronchitis affects individuals of all ages, although the incidence is greatest among those 65 and older, at 56.3 per 1,000 people."

There is no known treatment for COPD as of today; however, recent developments in stem cell therapy for damaged lungs have shown promise.