Obstructive lung disease is a category of
respiratory disease characterized by
airway obstruction. Many obstructive diseases of the lung result from narrowing of the smaller bronchi and larger bronchioles, often because of excessive contraction of the smooth muscle itself. It is generally characterized by inflamed and easily collapsible airways, obstruction to airflow, problems exhaling and frequent medical clinic visits and hospitalizations. Types of obstructive lung disease include;
asthma,
bronchiectasis,
bronchitis and
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Although COPD shares similar characteristics with all other obstructive lung diseases, such as the signs of
coughing and
wheezing, they are distinct conditions in terms of disease onset, frequency of symptoms and reversibility of airway obstruction.
Cystic fibrosis is also sometimes included in obstructive pulmonary disease.