Etiology

• Cigarette smoking (most common)
• Environmental pollutants
• α₁-antitrypsin deficiency (genetic)

Pathogenesis

• Chronic inflammation → airway remodeling + alveolar destruction → airflow limitation

Clinical features

• Chronic cough with sputum
• Dyspnea on exertion, progressive
• Barrel chest, use of accessory muscles

Lab findings

• PFTs: ↓ FEV₁, ↓ FEV₁/FVC ratio (<0.7)
• Hypercapnia, hypoxemia in advanced disease
• CXR: hyperinflated lungs, flattened diaphragm

Treatment

• Smoking cessation
• Bronchodilators (SABA, LABA, anticholinergics)
• Oxygen therapy in severe hypoxemia
• Pulmonary rehab, steroids during exacerbations

Pneumonia

Etiology

Pathogenesis

Clinical features

Lab findings

Treatment