Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseChronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, is a major cause of death worldwide (Olendorf, 1999). What makes it a major contributor to deaths worldwide? The objective of this article is to discuss the disease COPD and evaluate research studies related to this disease. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease affects nearly sixteen million people in the United States alone (Olendorf, 1999). It is also a very broad name for other correlated diseases, such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema (Olendorf, 1999). Background COPD is defined as difficulty breathing caused by irreversible damage to the lungs (Olendorf, 1999). The damage caused to the lungs by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease cannot be reversed (Mayo, 2010). Chronic bronchitis is a type of COPD that inflames the bronchi; which are tubes that transport air to the lungs (Essig, 2008). This produces large amounts of mucus and causes excessive coughing (Essig, 2008). Emphysema causes inflammation of the alveoli; which are tiny air sacs in the lungs (Mayo, 2010). This can destroy several walls and resilient fibers, thereby limiting the air that can reach the lungs (Mayo, 2010). Description of the disease - Pathophysiology, signs and symptomsChronic obstructive pulmonary disease develops over time (editorial team, 2010). Smoking is the leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (Mayo, 2010). Long-term smokers are more likely to develop this disease (Essig, 2008). Other less common irritants can cause COPD, such as second-hand smoke (Mayo, 2010). Exposure to chemicals and gases in a work environment and, in rare cases, a genetic abnormality can also be the cause (Es...... middle of article..... . & Boyden, K. (1999). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine (Vols. 2 CF, pp. 719-722). , A., Klassen, TP, Marrie, TJ and Rowe, BH (November 2010). (9). Retrieved November 30, 2010, from General OneFile via Gale: http://find.galegroup.com/8 Schriber, A. (2009, October 9). .nih.gov9. Voelker, R. (2007). New tool helps primary care clinicians diagnose and treat COPD, 298(24), 2855-2856./