Chronic: Long lasting and persistent

Obstructive: The respiratory airways of the lungs are partially obstructed

Pulmonary: Relating to the lungs

Disease: disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is an obstructive disease of the lungs. Due to this, the amount of air entering your body is very less. Also your breath can't come out of your lungs properly. This causes your lungs to fill with too much air, causing you to feel heavy in your chest, and it becomes difficult to breathe. All these causes make breathing difficult and if left untreated, it can worsen over time. COPD sounds scary but with proper treatment and medication you can manage COPD well, so don't worry. This way, you can do all the activities you enjoy - from hiking to dancing and traveling - and improve the quality of your life.

Another important thing about COPD - it is not contagious so living with a COPD patient will not make you get COPD.