12. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-term condition characterized by obstructed airflow from the airways. The obstruction is the result of protracted exposure to irritating toxic gases or particles. Cigarette consumption serves as an example. Cigarette smoking is one of the primary causes of COPD, while emphysema and chronic bronchitis also contribute. Emphysema is a chronic lung disease that causes difficulty of breath due to the destruction of air sacs.
COPD causes shortness of breath, inflammation of the legs and ankles, and blue lips and fingernails in its victims. In advanced stages, victims also experience chest obstruction, wheezing, and a severe cough that can produce mucus or blood. People who smoke are more likely to develop this condition. Those with alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, genetic abnormality, and those exposed to smoke from smoldering fuel comprise another group.
