Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Fast Facts

COPD—or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease —is a lung disease that makes it hard to breathe.

Chronic bronchitis and  emphysema are types of COPD.

In chronic bronchitis, the airways that carry air to the lungs  get inflamed and make a lot of mucus.

This can narrow or block the airways,  making it hard for you to breathe.

It can also make you cough.

In emphysema, the air sacs in your lungs  are damaged and lose their stretch.

Less air gets in and out of your lungs,  which makes you feel short of breath.