To some extent. The two major elements covered by the umbrella term COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema. If you have a continuing productive cough that generally signal chronic bronchitis. If you tend to get SOB with exertion, you have emphysema. Most of us have elements of both; that's why the diagnosis is COPD.

It really doesn't matter which you have because the treatments are generally the same: no smoking, exercise daily, good diet, take your meds as prescribed, learn about COPD, stay away from people with bugs and have a plan you work out with your doc that tells you what to do when you do get something respiratory.

Spot on, Jean

It's a progressive disease, so yes, it does get worse as you age. Exercise, diet, meds and avoiding getting really sick are the things that will help you stay healthier, even as your COPD gets worse.

Does copd gradually get worse