ATI Pathophysiology Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by progressive airflow limitation that is not fully reversible and is often accompanied by respiratory symptoms such as cough, sputum production, and difficulty breathing. The progressive nature of COPD means that the condition typically worsens over time, leading to increased respiratory distress and reduced quality of life.

The defining feature of COPD is that it encompasses both chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which contribute to this airflow limitation. Unlike asthma, which is often marked by reversible airway obstruction, the airflow obstruction in COPD does not improve significantly with bronchodilator treatment. Therefore, recognizing the progressive nature of the condition is critical for diagnosis and management.

Understanding these characteristics is essential for effective patient care and helps differentiate COPD from other respiratory disorders that may have similar symptoms but different underlying mechanisms, such as reactive airway disease which is characterized by reversible airway obstruction.