COPD What Smoking is Really Doing to Your Lungs ABILITY Magazine Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic, progressive lung disorder characterized by persistent airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. It develops gradually, most often due to long term exposure to harmful Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Emphysema and Chronic But I Don't Really Smoke!: E Cigarettes and Pulmonary Disease COPD Updates