By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - COPD is the abbreviation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A classic example of COPD is emphysema and all of the respiratory problems associated with it.

Depending on the cause of COPD and the form, treatment can be very different.

According to a paper published in the journal Nature Medicine, there may be an approach which can provide a more accurate diagnosis and help tailor treatments for each individual to appropriately target the lung damage in COPD.

COPD is the result of narrowing of the small airways in the lung and limiting airway flow and is not fully reversible. The scientists have developed an imaging bio-marker that can help in differentiating between the types of disease found in the small airways.