1.Describe the pathophysiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

1.Describe the pathophysiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

The early stage ofCOPDis chronic inflammation of the respiratory bronchioles, alveoli, and pulmonary blood vessel. The inflammation is a response to the inhalation of noxious particles and gases with smoking being a frequent source. However, the inflammation is much more destructive than that seen in persons withoutCOPD. Inflammatory cells (neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes) attract inflammatory mediators (e.g., leukotrienes, cytokines) leading to structural changes in the lungs. Not only does tissue damage occur, but the normal defense mechanisms and repair processes are disrupted.