5th January 2024

Background

COPD is a progressive disease characterised by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. It encompasses both emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It is primarily caused by cigarette smoking. Pathologically, emphysema is defined as an abnormal dilatation of the airways distal to the terminal bronchioles with destruction of alveolar walls. Chronic bronchitis is defined clinically as 3 months of chronic productive cough during 2 consecutive years.

Clinically, emphysema and chronic bronchitis are used interchangeably with COPD.

Epidemiology

COPD is more common in people aged 65 years and above. The pooled global prevalence of COPD is 15.7% in men and 9.93% in women.

Aetiology

Tobacco smoking is the main risk factor for COPD as it is responsible for 40-70% of cases due to inflammatory response, cilia dysfunction and oxidative injury. Other risk factors are air pollution, occupational exposure to dust, chemical agents, and fumes. In patients with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, oxidative stress and imbalance in proteases and antiproteases are important factors in pathogenesis of COPD. Any process that influences optimum lung growth and lung function can potentially increase the risk of developing.