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Is there a difference between COPD and emphysema?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term given to a group of chronic lung diseases that make it harder to breathe air out of the lungs.

These diseases include emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and sometimes asthma. Certain diseases that cause bronchiectasis also lead to chronically obstructed lung airways. People who’ve been diagnosed with COPD typically have emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or both.

How emphysema relates to COPD

Everyone who’s diagnosed with emphysema is said to have COPD. However, it’s possible to be diagnosed with COPD and not have emphysema. A person can receive a COPD diagnosis while only having chronic bronchitis, for instance.

Is there a difference between COPD and Emphysema?Healthline