COPD

1. Big picture

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, is a common, preventable, treatable chronic lung disease characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and persistent airflow limitation. The classic exam patient is:

Older smoker/ex-smoker + progressive exertional dyspnea + chronic cough/sputum + obstructive spirometry that is not fully reversible.

The main exam logic:

Long-term inhaled irritant exposure
↓
Small airway disease + emphysema
↓
Expiratory airflow limitation
↓
Air trapping + hyperinflation
↓
Dyspnea, chronic cough, exacerbations
↓
Chronic hypoxemia → pulmonary hypertension → cor pulmonale