Korean J Med.  2009 Oct;77(4):383-400.

Pathogenesis and pathophysiology of COPD

• Yoo CG

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a slowly progressed disease characterized by chronic irreversible airway obstruction with increased airway resistance and loss of elastic recoil by lung parenchymal destruction. COPD is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. COPD is defined as a preventable and treatable disease with some significant extrapulmonary effects that may contribute to the severity in individual patients. Pathological changes characteristic of COPD are found in the proximal airways, peripheral airways, lung parenchyma, and pulmonary vasculature, showing chronic inflammation, and structural changes resulting from repeated injury and repair mostly caused by inhaled cigarette smoke. This pathological changes lead to airway trapping and progressive airway limitation.

Keyword

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Pathogenesis; Physiology

MeSH Terms

Airway Obstruction
Airway Resistance
Humans
Inflammation
Lung
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive
Smoke
Tobacco Products
Smoke