COPD
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COPD is characterized by airflow limitation caused by chronic bronchitis or emphysema.
The process is usually slowly progressive and largely irreversible. The basic pathophysiologic process in COPD consists of increased resistance to airflow, loss of elastic recoil, decreased expiratory flow rate, and overinflation of the lung. We define COPD by a low FEV1 value (see lecture on Pulmonary Function Testing) that fails to respond to bronchodilators, a characteristic that differentiates it from asthma. As indicated above, reversible airways obstruction is the characteristic feature of asthma.
Category: Pharmacology Notes
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