Abstract
For many years, clinicians, physiologists, pathologists and epidemiologists have struggled with definitions of disorders associated with chronic bronchial obstruction, ie, definitions of chronic bronchitis, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. The definitions of these diseases emphasize either structure or function.
The definitions also depend on whether the terminology is used for clinical or research purposes. Based on current knowledge, the definition is as follows: COPD is a disease characterized by restricted airflow in the bronchi (bronchial obstruction), which is not completely reversible.
Bronchial obstruction progresses and is associated with an abnormal inflammatory response of the lungs to harmful particles and gases.