COPD is a lung disease with symptoms such as cough, sputum production and breathlessness. It cannot be cured but treatments can make the symptoms better. It is caused by obstruction in the airflow which usually worsens over months to years. In the UK, it is estimated that about 3 million people are affected, with about 2 million of these being undiagnosed..
This is a companion discussion topic for the original article at https://patient.info/chest-lungs/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-leaflet/acute-exacerbations-of-copd-copd-flare-ups