<Tr> <Th> Deaths </Th> <Td> 3.2 million (2015) </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> (edit on Wikidata) </Td> </Tr> <P> Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a type of obstructive lung disease characterized by long - term breathing problems and poor airflow . The main symptoms include shortness of breath and cough with sputum production . COPD is a progressive disease, meaning it typically worsens over time . Eventually everyday activities, such as walking or getting dressed, become difficult . Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are older terms used for different types of COPD . The term "chronic bronchitis" is still used to define a productive cough that is present for at least three months each year for two years . </P> <P> Tobacco smoking is the most common cause of COPD, with factors such as air pollution and genetics playing a smaller role . In the developing world, one of the common sources of air pollution is poorly vented heating and cooking fires . Long - term exposure to these irritants causes an inflammatory response in the lungs, resulting in narrowing of the small airways and breakdown of lung tissue . The diagnosis is based on poor airflow as measured by lung function tests . In contrast to asthma, the airflow reduction does not improve much with the use of a bronchodilator . </P>

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