What is copd?

Lung disease : Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary (or Respiratory) Disease, shortened to COPD or CORD. Basically this is an illness which makes breathing difficult and is almost always caused by smoking, there is no cure but there is symptom relief. There are a variety of treatments. See this link for a full explanation. https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-a-z/c/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease/

Four or so diseases: This is a generic term for diseases that are typical long-lasting and make it hard to get air out of your lungs. Emphysema / chronic bronchitis is a common process usually caused by smoking. Asthma and bronchiectasis are also chronic and obstructive, and there are a couple of other less familiar ones. Don't accept "COPD" as a diagnosis, though it's often used as shorthand for emphysema.

COPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term for people with chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both. With COPD the airflow to the lungs is restricted (obstructed). COPD is usually caused by smoking. Symptoms include cough and breathlessness. The most important treatment is to stop smoking. Inhalers are commonly used to ease symptoms.

Emphysema: Is the term that used to be used. Think of it as a not fully reversible asthma. Often caused by smoking and sometimes genetic conditions or longterm poorly controlled asthma. The airway becomes inflamed and tightened. Treatments include smoking cessation, inhalers, keeping fit with exercise and rapidly treating infections. www.asthmawaikato.org.nz has some good Waikato-specific info.