What is the primary condition known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) primarily refers to a group of respiratory conditions characterized by narrowed airways and difficulty in breathing over time. The main components of this umbrella term are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Emphysema involves the destruction of the alveoli in the lungs, reducing surface area for gas exchange, while chronic bronchitis is marked by inflammation of the bronchial tubes, leading to mucus production and airway obstruction.

In contrast, asthma is a separate condition that can cause difficulty in breathing, primarily due to airway hyperreactivity and inflammation, but it is generally reversible with treatment. Pneumonia is an infection that inflates the air sacs in the lungs, leading to coughing and difficulty in breathing, but it is not chronic. Lastly, pulmonary embolism refers to a blockage in the pulmonary arteries usually caused by blood clots, which can lead to acute respiratory distress but is also not classified as COPD.

Thus, the term "Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease" distinctly encompasses emphysema and chronic bronchitis, making them the primary conditions recognized under this diagnosis.