Elevated risk of developing COPD with e cigarette use: Study Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Management Approach BMJ Best Practice US 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 Electronic cigarette use and its association with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma COPD overlap syndrome among never cigarette smokers