Breathe Easier: 10 Amazing Activities Proven to Improve COPD Symptoms

7. How COPD Obstructs Airway Flow

Inhaled air travels down the trachea or windpipe and into the lungs through two large tubes known as the bronchi. Once inside the lungs, the bronchi divide air into smaller tubes called the bronchioles where air eventually ends up in the tiny clusters of air sacs known as the alveoli. These air sacs contain small blood vessels that pass oxygen through to the bloodstream. Also during this time, carbon dioxide is exhaled through the lungs. COPD causes lungs to over expand and lose their elasticity, leaving some air trapped in the lungs upon exhaling. This results in shortness of breath.