Which conditions are included in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) primarily encompasses conditions that cause ongoing blockages of airflow in the lungs. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two main conditions classified under COPD.

In emphysema, the walls of the alveoli (air sacs in the lungs) are damaged, leading to reduced airflow and impaired gas exchange. Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, is characterized by long-term inflammation of the bronchi, resulting in increased mucus production and a persistent cough. Together, these conditions contribute to the progressive and debilitating respiratory issues seen in COPD patients.

Conditions like asthma, pneumonia, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, atelectasis, and lung cancer have different mechanisms and characteristics that do not fall under the COPD classification. For example, while asthma is a reversible airway obstruction and pneumonia is an infection, interstitial lung disease and pulmonary fibrosis relate more to lung tissue scarring rather than the airflow obstruction synonymous with COPD.