Pathophysiology and classification of emphysema.

Abstract

Current research is providing new understanding in the pathophysiology of emphysema, and this knowledge will be translated in finding better modalities of therapy for patients currently affected by COPD. The single best effort that can alter the course of COPD is promoting policies to remove smoking as an available option to young people, before they become addicted and thus prey of tobacco-producing companies. Landmark studies like NETT and the GOLD initiative are providing tool classify emphysema in the context of physiological criteria and possible therapeutic alternatives.

• Authors: Cesar A Keller
• Journal: Chest surgery clinics of North America (Chest Surg Clin N Am) Vol. 13 Issue 4 Pg. 589-613 (Nov 2003) ISSN: 1052-3359 [Print] United States
• PMID: 14682597 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Exercise Tolerance (physiology)
• Humans
• Lung (blood supply, physiopathology)
• Lung Transplantation
• Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive (physiopathology)
• Pulmonary Emphysema (classification, physiopathology, therapy)
• Pulmonary Gas Exchange (physiology)
• Respiratory Function Tests
• Risk Factors