The defining features of COPD

• What does COPD stand for?

  Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
• What are the airflow limitations in COPD caused by?

  Loss of elastic recoil
• Are the airflow limitations in COPD fully reversible?

  No, they are not fully reversible
• What causes airflow obstruction in COPD?

  Mucus hypersecretion, mucosal edema, bronchospasm
• What are the cardinal symptoms of COPD?

  Dyspnea, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
• How long must a chronic productive cough be present to diagnose chronic bronchitis?

  For 3 months in 2 successive years
• Why is chronic bronchitis considered a useful epidemiological term?

  It indicates a chronic productive cough
• How do people with COPD typically present in terms of bronchitis and emphysema?

  They often display characteristics of both
• What are the types of COPD and their characteristics?

  • Emphysema: Destruction of alveolar sacs
  • Chronic Bronchitis: Chronic inflammation of bronchi
  • Both may occur simultaneously
• What are other causes of COPD besides emphysema and chronic bronchitis?

  Occupational toxins, recurrent respiratory infections, heredity