COPD is a term used to include a group of diseases (chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthmatic bronchitis). The characteristic common to this disease is obstruction to airflow out of the lungs and the common symptom is shortness of breath. The following definitions have been made: NICE Clinical Guidelines: COPD is characterised by airflow obstruction. The airflow obstruction is usually progressive, not fully reversible and does not change markedly over several months.

The impact of COPD on the family depends on many factors: the personality of the patient, of family members, and the family structure. COPD can create changes in the family structure, but these changes can be an opportunity for strengthening the family. Both patient and family may be sharing a ride on an emotional roller coaster. This is a dynamic process that is likely to change over time—without prior notice.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease which is largely made up of the tobacco-related conditions emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

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Most cases of COPD result from the damage caused by smoking, or environmental pollution. However there is a very rare genetic disorder called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Alpha-1 antitrypsin is a small protein found in the body, which stops enzymes such as trypsin from doing damage to the body. If you are short of alpha-1 antitrypsin, the trypsin in your body will, over time, do damage to your lungs, and this damage can result in COPD.

Well apparently it has to do with something called gene expression, which refers to the pattern in which genes are switched on and off. And gene expression has a major effect on your body's biological processes. Each cell in your body contains a 'power-factory' that produces energy, called the mitochondria.

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COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. The word Chronic means that it won’t go away. The word Obstructive means partially blocked. The word Pulmonary means in the lungs. The word Disease means sickness. It is a disease of the lungs that makes the openings of the airways of your lungs smaller. Because these openings are smaller, it is difficult to get air into the air sacs of the lungs. That is why you feel short of breath.

Cigarette smoking is the most common cause of COPD. Being around secondhand smoke -- from others who smoke -- also plays a role in an individual developing COPD. In rare cases, genes may play a role in COPD. People who lack a protein called alpha 1 antitrypsin may be more likely to develop the disease. Without the protein, their lungs are more vulnerable to destruction from COPD. If they are smokers, their disease tends to progress more quickly.

To diagnose COPD, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, do a physical exam, and conduct breathing tests. The most common breathing test used to confirm a diagnosis of COPD is spirometry. This easy, painless test involves breathing into a large hose connected to a machine, called a spirometer. The spirometer measures how much air your lungs can hold and how fast you can blow air out of your lungs.

The goal of COPD treatment is to ease your symptoms, slow the progress of COPD, prevent or treat any complications, and improve your overall quality of life.