More than 10 million Americans suffer from COPD, many of them smokers or former smokers. And over 60,000 die each year as a result. A. Emphysema is the limitation of airflow in and out of the lungs as a result of changes in the lung tissue caused by the disease. Eventually, many of these air sacs are destroyed and the lungs are less able to bring in oxygen and get rid of carbon dioxide from the body. Also, the heart has to work harder to deliver the oxygen to the body.
Chronic bronchitis occurs when the bronchial tubes in the lungs become inflamed.
This inflammation thickens the walls of the bronchi and increases the production of mucus. This results in a narrowing of the air passages. Seventy-five percent of individuals with chronic bronchitis have a history of heavy smoking. Exposure to air pollution can irritate the lungs, also. And exposure to both air pollution and smoking is particularly harmful.