COPD:Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Any disorder that persistently obstructs bronchial airflow.COPDis frequently related to cigarette smoking and mainly involves two related diseases -- chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Both are frequently present and causechronicobstructionof airflow obstruction of thelungs. The obstruction is generally permanent and progresses (becomes worse) over time.
Asthma is also apulmonarydiseaseinwhich there is obstruction to the flow of air out of the lungs, but the obstruction is usually reversible and between attacks ofasthmathe flow of air through the airways is usually good.
COPDis also called chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD).
