Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive, inflammatory lung condition that restricts airflow and makes breathing difficult. It is the third leading cause of death worldwide.
Symptoms often develop gradually and may be mistaken for a "smoker's cough" until the disease is advanced. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - StatPearls - NCBI
COPD typically manifests through two primary conditions that often occur together:
Destruction of the lung's air sacs (alveoli), which reduces the surface area for oxygen exchange and causes the lungs to lose their elasticity. Key Symptoms