Definition, epidemiology and natural history of COPD (original) (raw)

DEFINITION Definitions of COPD by the ATS/ERS and GOLD are reported in table 1. Both point to the preventability and treatability of this inflammatory disease, in which airflow limitation (AL) is usually progressive and not fully reversible, and mention systemic or extrapulmonary elements, along with the role of exposure to noxious particles or gases. Source Definition ATS and ERS # ''A preventable and treatable disease state characterised by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. The airflow limitation is usually progressive and associated with an abnormal inflammatory response of the lungs to noxious particles or gases, primarily caused by cigarette smoking. Although COPD affects the lungs, it also produces significant systemic consequences.'' GOLD " ''A preventable and treatable disease with some significant extra-pulmonary effects that may contribute to the severity in individual patients. Its pulmonary component is characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. The airflow limitation is usually progressive and associated with an abnormal inflammatory response of the lung to noxious particles or gases.''