Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name for a group of diseases that damage the lungs and cause difficulties in breathing. The two most common diseases in this group are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Both obstruct airflow but for different reasons. Emphysema is a degenerative disease, which destroys the air passages in the lungs over time. Chronic bronchitis affects the lungs, with the main symptom being a long-term cough (over 3 months) with thick mucus present.

The symptoms of COPD happen gradually and when they are noticeable, extensive lung tissue damage has already occurred. According to current Western medical philosophy, this damage is not reversible but the symptoms can be stabilized and further harm can be mitigated with treatment. Signs and symptoms of COPD are listed as follows:

Fatigue
Wheezing
Chest tightness
Short of breath, especially upon exertion
Needing to clear the throat of mucus every morning
Blue lips and/or fingertips (cyanosis)
Frequent respiratory and lung infections
Unexpected weight loss
Cough lasting over 3 months with clear, white, yellow or green mucus present