[Historical review on changes in the concept of COPD]

A brief review of changes in the concept of COPD was made based on records of mile stone articles and prestigious international lung conferences. A major innovation in the definition of COPD was presented by the 'GOLD WORKSHOP REPORT' published in 2001. It introduced a concept of inflammatory response of the lung to toxic gas/particles as the most significant pathogenesis of the disease, eliminating the definition of COPD being a syndrome of 'emphysema plus chronic bronchitis'. Both CIBA Guest Symposium and Aspen Emphysema Conference contributed in the evolution of COPD concept. Also discussed in brief are the impacts of 'Small Airway Disease Theory' and British bronchitis hypothesis. The GOLD revision 2006 may be highly appreciated among practicing clinicians world wide with key features; 'COPD is preventable and treatable accompanied by significant systemic effects'.