WHAT IS COPD? Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, refers to a group of diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, that cause airway obstruction and other breathing-related problems. Chronic respiratory diseases comprise the third leading cause of death in the U.S. While more than 16 million Americans have COPD, millions more are not being treated and may not even know they have the condition. CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS Chronic lung disease is a serious condition that … [Read more...] about CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD)