COPD is a chronic health condition that slowly damages the lungs. With time, it can cause the airways to narrow, leading to shortness of breath, chest tightness, and production of excess mucus. COPD is a progressive disease with no cure. It can be especially hard to manage during winter months when the air is dry and people are indoors more often. The common conditions in COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Common signs and symptoms are wheezing, chronic cough, bluish fingernails, unexplained weight loss and shortness of breath.