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Via practica 7-8/2009
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and smoking
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a preventable and treatable disease characterized 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 and gases. COPD is a major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Tobacco smoking is a major, however not the only cause of COPD. Not all smokers develop clinically significant COPD, therefore additional factors are involved in determining individual’s susceptibility.
Keywords: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, airflow limitation, inflammation, tobacco smoking, spirometry
