Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common pulmonary disease. The disease develops slowly over the years and carries with it symptoms such as feeling breathlessness, couch with mucus. COPD can not be cured completely but on the other hand it is possible to slow down the symptoms. Since COPD can get worse with time, individuals suffering from COPD are limited to social interaction. COPD can get worse and Patients suffering from COPD may require hospital care and in worse case the illness can result in the patient's death.

Aim: The aim of the study is to describe patients experience of living with obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Method: The study is literature-based, based on ten qualitative articles and Friberg's five-step model has been used.

Results: Two main themes with five subthemes were formed: emotional strains and limitations in the daily life. Based on selected themes, patient's experiences could be more clarified. Patient's with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease had many negative experiences of living with it. The symptoms that COPD caused created limitations in the daily life and had both physical and mental impact. The patient's got limited by isolating themselves.

Conclusion: Living with a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was experienced as suffering in which patients are obligated to adapt their life according to the conditions of the disease and limiting their daily lifestyle.