Understanding COPD: Disease Progression and Pathophysiology

COPD is a progressive lung disease resulting from damage to the airways and alveoli, primarily caused by smoking or other inhaled irritants. The disease includes chronic bronchitis characterized by mucous gland hyperplasia and emphysema featuring alveolar damage. COPD patients experience constricted airways and decreased lung compliance, leading to hyperinflation and difficulty exhaling completely. The disease's complexity lies in the irreversible airflow obstruction and the various pathological changes in the airways and lung tissue.