Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive, debilitating respiratory disorder primarily affecting adults exposed to inhaled noxious particles or gases, most commonly tobacco smoke or occupational pollutants Pathophysiologically, it involves persistent airway inflammation, small-airway narrowing from obstructive bronchiolitis, and alveolar wall destruction resulting in emphysema Clinically, affected patients present with worsening exertional dyspnea, chronic cough, excess sputu...

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive, debilitating respiratory disorder primarily affecting adults exposed to inhaled noxious particles or gases, most commonly tobacco smoke or occupational pollutants

Pathophysiologically, it involves persistent airway inflammation, small-airway narrowing from obstructive bronchiolitis, and alveolar wall destruction resulting in emphysema These structural abnormalities cause loss of elastic recoil, hyperinflation, and persistent, not fully reversible airflow limitation Clinically, affected patients present with worsening exertional dyspnea, chronic cough, excess sputum production, and periodic acute exacerbations that contribute to systemic impairment

These structural abnormalities cause loss of elastic recoil, hyperinflation, and persistent, not fully reversible airflow limitation