title: COPD: definition and phenotypes.
abstract: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is currently defined as a common preventable and treatable disease that is characterized 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. Exacerbations and comorbidities contribute to the overall severity in individual patients. The evolution of this definition and the diagnostic criteria currently in use are discussed. COPD is increasingly divided in subgroups or phenotypes based on specific features and association with prognosis or response to therapy, the most notable being the feature of frequent exacerbations.
authors: Department of Respiratory Medicine J, Odense University Hospital, Clinical Institute, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Respiratory Research Group, Manchester Academic Sciences Centre, University Hospital South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Southmoor Road, M23 9LT Manchester, UK. Electronic address: Jorgen.vestbo@manchester.ac.uk.
authors: Jørgen
authors: J
authors: Vestbo
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D010641:Phenotype; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis
keywords: COPD; Chronic inflammation; Definition; Diagnosis; Lung function