Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-term, progressive lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. It’s characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation due to airway and/or alveolar abnormalities.
COPD, which includes conditions like emphysema and chronic bronchitis, is often caused by prolonged exposure to harmful pollutants or smoking. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 3 million people died of COPD in 2015, accounting for 5% of all deaths globally that year.