Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that causes shortness of breath, chronic cough, wheezing in the lungs, and coughing up sputum. The main cause of COPD is tobacco smoke, either from smoking or inhaling secondhand smoke. Therefore, quitting smoking can slow down the progression of the disease and decrease the number of deaths from COPD. Other risk factors include air pollution, indoor air pollution from using solid fuels for cooking and heating; and exposure to dust, smoke and chemical fumes in the workplace. While COPD is incurable, medications and physiotherapy can help manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and reduce the risk of death.