What long-term lung condition makes it difficult to breathe due to obstructed airflow?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-term lung condition characterized by persistent obstruction of airflow from the lungs, which makes breathing difficult. COPD encompasses various conditions, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, and is primarily caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, most often from cigarette smoke. In COPD, the airways become inflamed and narrowed, and the lung tissue can lose elasticity, leading to the hallmark symptoms of breathlessness and difficulty in exhaling air.

This condition typically develops over years and is progressive, meaning it worsens over time. The reduced airflow in individuals with COPD often leads to a feeling of breathlessness during physical activities and, eventually, even at rest. Understanding this condition is essential in managing and mitigating its effects, as it requires a comprehensive approach involving medication, lifestyle changes, and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Additionally, while asthma is also an obstructive airway disease, it is usually characterized by reversibility of symptoms, unlike COPD. Pneumonia is an acute condition caused by infection, leading to inflammation and fluid in the lungs rather than chronic airflow obstruction. Chronic bronchitis, while related, is a component of COPD rather than a separate condition. Therefore, COPD is the most accurate and