Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease that has a negative impact on the patient's quality of life. In addition, the patient's experience of COPD and itsimpact on their quality of life is essential.

Aim: To highlight patient´s experience of COPD and how it has affected their life.

Method: A qualitative literature study based on data from ninescientific articles was performed.

Results: The most important themes that emerged was the physical and mental impact of the disease on patients diagnosed with COPD. Breathlessness and other symptoms limited physical activities and caused feelings of social stigma, isolation,and anxiety. The patients also expressed needs for extended knowledge and information about the disease, a need that also was expressed by their next of kins.

Conclusion: The study show that COPD has a negative physical and psychological effect on the patients’ wellbeing. The negative effects can though sometimes be eased by patient- centered care and individual strategies.