What is chronic obstructive aiways disease?

A combination of: Conditions known by various names affecting the lungs that have in common obstruction of air flow to and from the alveolus (gas-exchange unit). The obstruction is usually due to inappropriate constriction of the bronchioles, and oversecretion of mucus. Smoking and asthma are the two most common processes. Can be mild or extremely severe. Smoking also causes destruction of the alveolus.

Worsening Airflow: This describes the result of repeated pulmonary irritations. Impaired air exchange leads to other chronic problems too. So, it is not a pleasant diagnosis as it tends to worsen. People who address it asap can definitely slow, maybe even stop the progress. Lifestyle changes and chronic disease self-mgmt groups are very helpful - find one! http://patienteducation.Stanford.Edu/programs/cdsmp.Html.