Research Article: Applying the Rome Proposal on Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Does Comorbid Chronic Heart Failure Matter?
Abstract:
Most patients with more advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) present with breathlessness as a typical symptom. Breathlessness, either displayed at rest (BaR) or at physical activity (BaPA), is a consequence of chronic airflow limitation (CAL) and hyperinflation, the latter being a result of alveolar wall destruction and development of emphysema. CAL, on the other hand, is due to an airway inflammation, which is usually dominated by neutrophils, and a sub-epithelial fibrosis, which is driven by epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Metabolic disturbances of cells’ handling of iron, relevant for the resistance against oxidative damage,, and muscle tissue bioenergetics, important for normal muscle function, are some mechanisms implicated in COPD pathogenesis.
Introduction:
Most patients with more advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) present with breathlessness as a typical symptom. Breathlessness, either displayed at rest (BaR) or at physical activity (BaPA), is a consequence of chronic airflow limitation (CAL) and hyperinflation, the latter being a result of alveolar wall destruction and development of emphysema. CAL, on the other hand, is due to an airway inflammation, which is usually dominated by neutrophils, and a sub-epithelial fibrosis, which is driven by…
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