[Clinical aspects of peripheral airway diseases in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

We studied the site of obstructive impairment in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In chronic bronchitis peripheral airway inflammation caused obstructive impairment. Bronchial sensitivity increased in peripheral airways in chronic bronchitis. In bronchial asthmatics both allergic and increased bronchial sensitivity were observed in peripheral airways. The mucus occupying rat was higher in peripheral airways than central airways. Despite primary inflammation in peripheral airways in COPD, aerosolized bronchodilator dilated peripheral airway in cases of moderate asthenic.