Obstructive Lung Disease: Pathogenesis

00:03 Specific diseases is where we are finally. Up until this point, we have taken a look at various tools in which you can diagnose your patient. Speaking about looking at the overview of obstructive lung diseases. So what is COPD by definition? Now, pay attention here because what we will do as we go into specific diseases is then carve out those specific diseases that fall into the definition of current day practice, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or they do not. COPD is a common, preventable and treatable disease that is characterised by air flow limitation. And by air flow limitation, it means that you are having a hard time getting air out. It’s usually progressive and associated with an enhanced chronic inflammatory response in the airways and the lung to noxious particles or gases. Often times, it is about the exposure that the patient has had. For example smoking.

01:04 The exacerbations and comorbidities contribute to the overall severity in the individual. And so, when we start talking about signs and symptoms, well, what kind of test? May be something like a DLCO would then tell you, “Wow, my patient is in trouble.” Spend a minute or two just making sure that you are completely comfortable with the definition of COPD and therefore, walk into our pathologies, it will make a lot more sense.