Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a term referring to two lung diseases, chronic bronchitis and emphysema, that are characterized by obstruction to airflow that interferes with normal breathing.  Both of these conditions frequently co-exist, hence physicians prefer the term COPD. It does not include other obstructive diseases such as asthma. There are 16 million Americans who have been diagnosed with COPD, of whom 14 million have chronic bronchitis and 2 million have emphysema. COPD is the 4th leading cause of death in the United States.

In technical terms, COPD is a slowly progressive disease that is characterized by a decrease in the ability of the lungs to maintain the body's oxygen supply and remove carbon dioxide. Nearly 90 percent of COPD cases are directly linked to smoking.

To help people with COPD determine the best course of treatment for them, the American Lung Association has an online COPD NEXPofilerthat can help answer questions and provide a personalized treatment options report tailored to your diagnosis. The American Lung Association also sponsors COPD education, research and support groups, advocates for people who need to travel with oxygen, and trains medical professionals on the latest COPD treatment techniques and developments.