COPD: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic, progressive lung disorder characterized by persistent airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. It develops gradually, most often due to long term exposure to harmful Understanding Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD Explained Clearly) YouTube What is COPD? First Aid for Free A new study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research found that those using e cigarettes alone were more than twice as likely to develop COPD than people who didn't use any tobacco products,