COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which encompasses both chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is one of the most common respiratory conditions for adults in the developed world. COPD has had many names in the past including chronic obstructive airways disease; chronic obstructive lung disease; chronic airflow limitation; and chronic airflow obstruction. The exact prevalence of COPD is difficult to determine because of problems with definition and coding. Sometimes it is difficult to differentiate between COPD and chronic severe asthma, and patients with mild to moderate disease...