Fisiopatología de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica.

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a preventable and treatable condition that makes it difficult to expel air from the lungs (extended expiratory phase). This difficulty in emptying the lungs (obstruction of airflow) can cause shortness of breath or a feeling of tiredness due to the effort they make to breathe. The obstruction is partially reversible, since the pathology can be improved, although not solved. Objective: The objective is to know the latest scientific evidence on the pathophysiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Methodology: A narrative review of the latest scientific evidence from journals indexed in the Cochrane Library, Pubmed, Cuiden and Medline databases has been carried out. Results: Tobacco smoke, environmental pollution and alpha1 antitrypsin deficiency produce irritation and sustained bronchial inflammation and breakdown of elastin in the connective tissue of the lungs. This fact generates the so-called chronic bronchitis and emphysema, both cause airway obstruction, air trapping, dyspnea and recurrent infections. Conclusion: COPD is a preventable and treatable disease that makes it difficult to expel air from the lungs. The limitation is usually progressive and is accompanied by an abnormal inflammatory response of the lung to noxious particles such as tobacco.