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COPD isn't just one condition—it's an umbrella term for several lung diseases that make breathing difficult. The two most common types are chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and many people actually have both at the same time.

Chronic Bronchitis happens when your airways become inflamed and produce excess mucus. You might Show Full Answer

COPD isn't just one condition—it's an umbrella term for several lung diseases that make breathing difficult. The two most common types are chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and many people actually have both at the same time.

Chronic Bronchitis happens when your airways become inflamed and produce excess mucus. You might be diagnosed with this if you have a persistent cough with phlegm for most days each month, at least three months a year, for two years or longer. It affects about 10 million people in the U.S.

Emphysema involves damage to the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs. These sacs normally expand when you breathe in and compress when you breathe out. With emphysema, the walls of these air sacs weaken or break down, creating larger spaces and reducing the surface area available for oxygen exchange. This makes it harder to breathe out old air and get fresh oxygen in.

Other types of COPD include:
- Refractory asthma
- Bronchiectasis
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (alpha-1)

The most common cause of both chronic bronchitis and emphysema is cigarette smoking, though exposure to air pollution, certain workplace particles, or genetic factors can also play a role.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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