Understanding the Mechanisms that Lead COPD to Develop and Advance

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Globally, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a condition that is quite common and a leading cause of death. It is characterized by a chronic inflammatory process in the airways and lung parenchyma brought on by noxious particles or gases, mainly cigarette smoke, and is characterized by progressive airflow limitation. The primary anatomical abnormalities are small airways disease and parenchymal damage, while pulmonary vascular alterations also play a significant role in the disease. Pulmonary hypertension, a complication that may arise in more than 50% of patients with an advanced illness, may develop as a result of changes in artery anatomy. Pulmonary hypertension has been linked to lower survival times and more exacerbation events.