Recent advances in the assessment and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a syndrome of progressive airflow limitation caused by an abnormal inflammatory reaction of the airways and lung parenchyma. It stems from chronic tobacco smoking, and indoor air pollution, and bronchospasm is the predominant cause of the symptoms. The condition is the result of environmental insult and host reaction that is likely to be genetically predetermined.