Two main types of chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD) include:
- Chronic bronchitis:
- Chronic irritation causes the airway walls to make a lot of mucus and causes frequent coughing.
- Emphysema:
- Refers to the destroyed bronchioles and tiny air pockets in the lungs. These are the parts of the lung that pass oxygen and carbon dioxide in and out of the bloodstream.
Most people with COPD suffer from a combination of both types.
