Research Topic · Peer-Reviewed

Chronic Pulmonary Disease

Chronic pulmonary disease, most commonly used to denote chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a persistent and usually progressive respiratory disorder defined by airflow obstruction that is not fully reversible. It arises chiefly from chronic bronchitis, in which inflamed airways and excessive mucus narrow the …

Curated from this journal's research 📚 12 peer-reviewed articles cited Cited 11× across the literature 🔖 ISSN 2642-9241 🗓 Reviewed June 2026

Overview

Chronic pulmonary disease, most commonly used to denote chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a persistent and usually progressive respiratory disorder defined by airflow obstruction that is not fully reversible. It arises chiefly from chronic bronchitis, in which inflamed airways and excessive mucus narrow the conducting passages, and emphysema, in which destruction of alveolar walls reduces lung elasticity and gas-exchange surface. The defining physiological feature is limitation of expiratory airflow, and diagnosis rests on spirometry, which measures the volume and speed of forced exhalation to confirm and grade the degree of obstruction. As the disease advances, impaired gas exchange can produce hypoxemia, chronically low blood oxygen, which strains the cardiovascular system and contributes to systemic effects beyond the lungs, including links to markers such as microalbuminuria. The course is typically punctuated by exacerbations, episodes of acute worsening often triggered by infection or pollutants, which accelerate decline and prompt hospital care. Tobacco smoking is the predominant cause, with air pollution and occupational exposures as additional contributors. Management aims to relieve symptoms such as chronic cough and breathlessness, slow progression, and prevent exacerbations through smoking cessation, bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and supplemental oxygen when hypoxemia is significant. Recognizing systemic comorbidities is integral to comprehensive care of this condition.

Research published in this journal

12 peer-reviewed articles, ranked by relevance. Each links to its DOI.

How this research is being cited

The 12 articles above have been cited 11 times in the scholarly literature. Citation data via OpenAlex and Crossref, updated Jun 2026.

A sample of recent works citing this journal's research on Chronic Pulmonary Disease, linking to each citing work.

Editorial oversight

Curated from peer-reviewed research published in Respiratory Diseases (ISSN 2642-9241).

Journal editorial board
Jason Akulian · United States

This page summarises published research for orientation; it is not medical or professional advice.