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COPD Epidemiology and Natural History

  • Chapter
Mechanisms and Management of COPD Exacerbations

Abstract

Since the 1950s numerous consensus statements have been issued in the attempt to reach rational definitions and uniform terminology of diseases involving the lower airways [1-7]. These definitions represent a mixture of clinical, pathological and functional descriptions. The terms “chronic bronchitis” and “emphysema” date further back in time and are widely accepted. By the 1820s emphysema had been well defined, clearly described, and recognised to be common. The diagnosis of chronic bronchitis was first applied in 1805 to patients with chronic cough, breathlessness, and recurrent exacerbations during winter months. Conversely, a variety of definitions have been put forward to incorporate the concept of obstruction to airflow and chronic sputum production. Among these,“chronic obstructive pulmonary disease” (COPD) is certainly the most widely accepted.

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  1. Institute of Respiratory Diseases, University of Milan, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore, Milan, Italy

    L. Allegra

  2. Division of Emergency Medicine, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore, Milan, Italy

    P. Tarsia

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  1. Institute of Respiratory Diseases, University of Milan, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore, Milan, Italy

    Luigi Allegra  & Francesco Blasi  & 

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Allegra, L., Tarsia, P. (2000). COPD Epidemiology and Natural History. In: Allegra, L., Blasi, F. (eds) Mechanisms and Management of COPD Exacerbations. Springer, Milano. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-2115-0_2

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