ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - November is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the illness while promoting early screening and supporting those living with the condition.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, commonly known as COPD, is an umbrella term used to describe multiple chronic lung diseases.

Medical Center Hospital Director of Cardiopulmonary Services Renato Galindo explained the two most common forms."One of them actually is very commonly known as emphysema - the lungs are hyper-inflated, you're no longer able to actually exhale, leading to shortness of breath," Galindo said.