Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name of a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties. COPD is a common condition that mainly affects middle-aged and older adults who smoke or used to smoke, most of whom will not have any obvious symptoms until they reach their 40s or 50s.
COPD symptoms tend to get worse over time and can make daily activities difficult, however treatment can help slow the diseases progression. Sometime symptoms may suddenly get worse. This is known as a flare-up. It is common to have a yearly flare-ups, particularly during winter.