Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an umbrella term used to describe progressive lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and refractory (non-reversible) asthma. Symptoms of COPD can be different for each person, but common symptoms are increased shortness of breath, frequent coughing (with and without mucus), increased breathlessness, wheezing, tightness in the chest.