(StatePoint) There are over 16 million people in the United States living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, and an estimated millions more living with the disease undiagnosed.

COPD is a progressive, chronic lung disease that limits air flow, and results in 925,000 emergency room visits and 335,000 hospitalizations each year.

This November, which is COPD Awareness Month, the American Lung Association is sharing essential facts and insights about COPD that you need to know.