What is the pathophysiology of COPD?
COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a progressive inflammatory disease connecting the airways, lung parenchyma, and vasculature. It causes the damage and remodeling of the airways and lung tissue. Proper functioning of lungs is rejected continuously by COPD. Over a period of time, these changes result in more severe conditions such as pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure. The precise pathophysiology of COPD is unidentified. The inflammatory process is a driving aspect in the pathophysiology of COPD. Recent verification suggests that the inflammatory response results in a number of effects, including an arrival of inflammatory cells such as macrophages, neutrophils and lymphocytes. Thickened airways and structural changes such as increased smooth muscle and fibrosis may also be manifested. Cigarette smoking causes an inflammatory response in the lungs. This response does not cease with the removal of the stimulus, but progresses for an unlimited period of time.
