COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, this is a collective term for emphysema and chronic bronchitis, (it should be noted that ASTHMA is a separate issue altogether.) It is sometimes referred to as COAD (Chronic Obstructive Airways Disease.)
Chronic means persistent, bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchi (airways in the lungs.) Emphysema is damage to the alveoli (small airways and sacs in the lungs.) Pulmonary means 'affecting' the lungs.
Both of the above can cause narrowing (obstruction) of the airways and commonly occur together.
