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COPD is a group of progressive lung diseases that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Despite affecting an estimated 32 million people in the United States, as many as half are unaware they have it. The main symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, chronic cough with or without mucus, frequent respiratory infections, and lack of energy, which typically start mild but worsen over time. Most people with COPD in the United States are at least 40 years old and have a history of smoking, making smoking cessation a critical part of treatment along with medications, oxygen therapy, and lifestyle changes (责任编辑：) |