Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a progressive lung disease that causes airflow blockage and breathing-related problems including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and in some cases asthma. Genetic factors and respiratory infections also play a role in the development of this disease. There is no cure for the disease, but some treatments are available to improve the patient's condition. Treatment can decrease severity of the symptoms and increase exercise tolerance.
Genetic factors have been known to be associated with COPD, and the condition has been mapped to chromosome 2q. It is likely the result of multiple genes, some of which may interact with environmental factors such as smoking.
