Definition: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is defined as a condition of restricted airflow which is not fully reversible. It is often a progressive disease caused by abnormal inflammatory responses to obnoxious substances. Demographics: COPD is a common condition, The prevalence of COPD increases with age, with most patients being diagnosed at around the age of 50. Aeitiology and pathophysiology: Airway obstruction in COPD is caused by; 1) increase in mucus secretion, leading to obstruction. many COPD patients show increased number of goblet cells in their airways, which block airways. 2) inflammation and scarring to the airways, leading to narrowed airways. Inflammatory cells infiltrate the bronchi and bronchiole walls. The inflammation causes scarring and thickening of walls which cause small airways to narrow. Initially, inflammation is reversible, but this become irreversible with continued smoking. As the dis...
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