[Definition of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Epidemiology
• Medical History

Context:

• Historically, Japan's understanding of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) encompassed a broader range of obstructive airway diseases beyond chronic bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema.
• Western definitions of COPD, established in the late 1960s-1970s, primarily focused on chronic bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema.
• A lower incidence of COPD in Japan contributed to these differing interpretations.

Purpose:

• To examine the historical divergence and convergence in the definition and understanding of COPD between Japan and Western countries.
• To highlight the evolving landscape of COPD diagnosis in Japan.

Summary:

• The traditional Japanese understanding of COPD included conditions like asthma and diffuse panbronchiolitis, unlike the Western focus on chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
• An increase in pulmonary emphysema cases in Japan since the late 1980s has spurred re-evaluation.
• By 1995, governmental statistics and the Japanese COPD guideline officially adopted the Western definition of COPD.

Impact:

• This convergence in definition facilitates international research collaboration and standardized patient care for COPD.
• Ensures consistent diagnostic criteria for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease globally.
• Promotes a unified approach to managing COPD patients worldwide.