COPD refers to a group of conditions, all of which cause difficulty breathing; among them are emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
In the United States, COPD is a relatively common issue, affecting an estimated 1 in 8 people over the age of 45. Symptoms of COPD tend to worsen over time.
Inhalers, medications, and lifestyle changes can ease symptoms significantly, but there is currently no cure.Although experts know that COPD most commonly results from smoking, researchers are still exploring the changes that occur in the lungs — and some are focusing on the potential role of bacteria.Although we often use the word “microbiome” to refer to the bacteria in our guts, the term encompasses all the microorganisms that live in us and on us.