Obstructive airways disease
The term obstructive lung disease is usually a spirometric term whereby the small airways are partially obstructed by a pathological condition.
It is usually characterized by some form of airway obstruction. In these patients narrowing (obstruction) of the smaller bronchi and larger bronchioles occur often because of excessive contraction of the smooth muscle itself. There can be inflamed and easily collapsible airways with obstruction to airflow.
The commonest forms are asthma and COPD.
Patient's obstructive lung disease typically have a concave flow volume (F/V) loop.
See also
