Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a disease of the airways that leads to a gradual loss of lung function. Asthma and COPD can be hard to tell apart because they can have similar symptoms — shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. But there are key differences.

The two conditions that make up COPD are:

• Chronic bronchitis
• Chronic obstructive bronchitis — or emphysema

COPD can also be caused by a combination of these conditions. Most people with these diseases have a long history of cigarette smoking. It's very important not to smoke so if you do, your doctor can help you with a program to stop smoking.

Whether you have COPD or are caring for someone with COPD, it can be very helpful to know the facts about COPD: who has it, how it progresses, what causes COPD, and how COPD can be prevented. You also need to understand the symptoms of COPD and the related diseases of chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Understanding COPD statistics will help you know what you are dealing with.

The most important thing of all is to learn what you can do to help manage COPD, by following seven vital steps. And don't forget about the additional resources that are out there to help you learn more about living with COPD