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COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a general term used to describe lung diseases associated with airflow obstruction. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis fall into this category. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that COPD as a single cause of death shares 4th and 5th places with HIV/AIDS (after coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and acute respiratory infection). Chronic bronchitis causes limitation in airflow that is not fully reversible. It is characterized by a productive cough lasting 3 or more months in 2 consecutive years. The lungs undergo permanent structural change, which leads to varying degrees of difficulty of breathing and productive coughing. The major precipitating factor associated with this disorder is cigarette smoking.