Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by persisting respiratory symptoms due to airflow obstruction that is not fully reversible. The airflow limitation is usually progressive and is associated with an abnormal inflammatory response of the lungs to noxious particles or gases. The airflow obstruction is due to a combination of airway and parenchymal damage. COPD is now the preferred term for patients with airflow obstruction who were previously diagnosed as having chronic bronchitis or emphysema.1
This is a companion discussion topic for the original article at https://patient.info/doctor/respiratory-medicine/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-pro