COPD, a common preventable and treatable disease, is characterised
by persistent airflow limitation that is usually progressive
and associated with an enhanced chronic inflammatory response
in the airways and the lung to noxious particles or gases. COPD is
a preventable and treatable disease.
It has two components:
• its pulmonary component is characterised by airflow limitation
that is not fully reversible
◊ FEV1:FVC ratio