John Walsh and Dr. Byron Thomashow

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

A discussion of COPD, or "chronic obstructive pulmonary disease," is a condition that affects the lungs. It includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both. COPD symptoms include breathlessness and symptoms can worsen over time. As the disease gets worse, people find it more difficult to breathe. As a result, simple tasks, like dressing or bathing, can be hard to perform.

Chronic bronchitis occurs when airways become irritated and inflamed. This causes thick mucus to form. The mucus makes it harder for air to get into and out of the lungs.

Emphysema occurs when tiny air sacs in the lungs get stretched out and break down. As a result, old air gets stuck in the sacs so there's no room for new air to get in.

John Walsh is Director of the COPD Foundation.

Dr. Byron Thomashow is Clinical Professor of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York.

Christopher Springmann

11 / 13 / 2009