Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease, considered by the World Health Organization to be the third leading cause of death worldwide [1]. It is characterized by progressive narrowing and permanent obstruction of the airways (bronchi) and lungs, involving inflammatory mechanisms. It leads to respiratory discomfort that tends to worsen over time, persistent cough and mucous sputum, with periods of exacerbation [2], i.e. acute worsening of symptoms [3]. Progressive destruction of the pulmonary alveoli leads to emphysema [4]. Smoking is the most common cause of COPD [5], accounting for 85% of cases [6].
[1] https://www.who.int/fr/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-(copd)
[2] https://www.inserm.fr/dossier/bronchopneumopathie-chronique-obstructive-bpco/
[3] https://www.has-sante.fr/jcms/pprd_2974843/fr/bpco-causes-frequentes-tabagisme-et-expositions-professionnelles
[4] https://splf.fr/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/BPCO2010-2.pdf
[5] https://www.inserm.fr/dossier/bronchopneumopathie-chronique-obstructive-bpco/
[6] https://www.has-sante.fr/jcms/pprd_2974843/fr/bpco-causes-frequentes-tabagisme-et-expositions-professionnelles